2 June, 2023
On March 22, 2023, The American Library Association (ALA) released data that showed there had been 1,269 demands to censor library books in 2022. That is the highest number of recorded demands for removal since ALA began compiling data about censorship over 20 years ago.
2,571 unique titles were targeted, a 38% increase from the 1,858 unique titles targeted in 2021. Perhaps not surprisingly, of those titles, the vast majority were written by or about people of color and members of the LGBTQIA+ community.
Common belief is that these challenges only happen in school libraries and indeed, 58% of them do, but 41% of book challenges target materials in public libraries. In 2022 there were 45 challenges on 30 books in Massachusetts. Since many libraries don’t report challenges, the numbers are likely higher.
Unfortunately, in today’s climate, we aren’t preparing for if we receive a challenge but when. In compliance with Mass General Law, Part I, Title XII, Ch 78, Sec 33 requiring the Board of Trustees of a free public library to establish a written policy for the selection of library materials in accordance with standards set forth by the American Library Association, the Hopkinton Public Library has a Board approved Collection Development Policy as well as a Reconsideration of Library Materials Policy.
At the May 15, 2023 meeting of the Board of Library Trustees, the Board adopted the following statement on censorship:
“Intellectual freedom is a right for all and libraries are tasked with providing reliable information, quality service, and diverse resources in order to enable that right. We respect the right of patrons to decide which materials are appropriate to their individual circumstances, however, no individual or group has the right to restrict access for others. The Board of Trustees endorses and follows the American Library Association’s Library Bill of Rights, which states that a library serves all members of the community, offers diverse materials, and condemns censorship.”
As a librarian, I believe in a collection where everyone can see themselves reflected. I believe in a balanced collection with diverse points of view and experiences. I believe, as librarian Jo Godwin once said, “A truly great library has something to offend everyone,” including, by the way, me.
HPLF Touch-a-Truck and Food Festival is back!
TaT mockup poster HPLF's Touch-A-Truck and Food Truck Festival will take place rain or shine on Saturday, June 10th from 11 a.m. – 2 p.m. at the Hopkinton High School. Climb aboard construction, service, and emergency trucks, take a ride on the train, and feast on food and desserts from food trucks! Purchase tickets in advance at https://www.hplfinc.org/event-details/9th-annual-touch-a-truck-and-food…
Friends of Hopkinton Library Book Sale
very small Join us for the Friends of the Library Book sale featuring great condition, fiction, nonfiction, teens, and children's books!
Adventure Pass of the Month - Ecotarium
The EcoTarium is a unique indoor-outdoor museum in Worcester, MA. Set in an urban oasis, the museum offers a chance to walk through the treetops, take a multimedia journey through the galaxy at a digital planetarium, meet wildlife, stroll nature trails, and get hands-on with family-friendly exhibits. Place your hold requests for this pass by visiting our Adventure Pass page.
"Thing" of the Month - Energy Audit Kit
It's getting to be that point in the year when the air conditioning is getting turned on, and energy usage is going up. If you've ever been curious to see how much energy your household appliances are using, and to identify ways to save money and resources, check out one of our Energy Audit Kits from our Library of Things! Place your hold requests for the kit by visiting our Library of Things page.
