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1/25/2007
A librarian, a legislator, a president
Often insightful and always gently teaching, Appleton Public Library Director Terry Dawson offered comments about Tuesday’s FoxPolitics Blog, that addressed controversial high school reading material, as well as the material selection policies of public libraries.
“…there’s a fundamental difference between school assignments and public libraries. Schools are "in loco parentis" with authority to require that children read certain books. As such, curricular materials focus on educational objectives and are rightfully subject to a high level of scrutiny and review, both by teachers and parents.
“By contrast, public library use is voluntary; public library collections have to reflect the diverse viewpoints, values, and interests of the wider community. This contrast is significant and is one of the reasons why successful joint school-public library combinations are rare. As public libraries try to select for a broad range of interests, needs and values, we count on the professionalism of staff, the reliability of selection tools & journals, and input from the community. We receive this input in lots of ways, but we always appreciate suggestions for materials to purchase. Our library buys a high percentage of materials suggested.
“A final thought: your point about taking interest in our children and communicating is key. Parents have to shelter young children, but give them strong wings to fly when they leave the nest. Parents cannot leave the teaching to the schools nor the ideas to the libraries. We cannot always protect children from books or ideas we find disagreeable or distasteful, but we can give them our values to hold and teach them to judge with discernment. Talk to your kids. Talk to your kids' teacher, talk to your librarian ... and then talk to your kids some more.”
Wise words from Mr. Dawson. A wise, kind man, who plays a mean Irish jig.
A Legislator
Representative Steve Wieckert is back in town from his Africa adventures (building homes with Habitat for Humanity and walking up Mt. Kilimanjaro) and needed to do a “make-up” swearing-in, as he missed being sworn in with his legislative cohorts January 3. According to a media advisory from his office, Rep. Wieckert was sworn in at 1:20 yesterday, January 24, in front of civics and government classes at Appleton North High School; government teacher Mark Schoenbohm helped to coordinate the event. Great for the kids. Great idea.
A President
One president, a lady Speaker, congressmen and women, military leaders, justices of the Supreme Court, the President’s cabinet. All gathered together to hear the State of this great Union of ours. Folks who harbor – even nurture - deep, deep differences. A nation 231 years old. Such deep, genuine ceremony and tradition. Such honor and respect, and for an evening, graciousness. It’s moving, it’s humbling, goose-bumps even. I think even Freshman Representative Steve Kagen was feeling those goose bumps. I surely hope he was profoundly awed being on that grand floor for his first State of the Union. Wow. Lots of political minuets. Lots of controversy. But lots of caring for each other, celebrating our great democracy. It doesn’t get any better.
COMMENTS
Mark Schoenbohm and Terry Dawson are class acts, and Appleton treasures.
Dale (Thu Jan 25 08:03:07 2007)
I have been going to the Neenah library every week since my oldest(now 4 1/2) was 6 months old. Today, on our way out of the children's section, walking thru the teen section, was a book (on a dispay shelf)with a picture of a mermaid without a shirt and breasts exposed. I brought it to the front desk and told them I thought it was inappropriate. Is it appropriate for a book with such a cover to be available(targeting teens) to teens? No way. Public libraries funded with taxpayer money. Yes, I have the right to voice my opinion.
Alisa Mielke (Thu Jan 25 14:37:30 2007)
This is an excellent piece, Jo - one of your best. Granted you had great material to work with, very especially "the librarian." He is indeed a wise and gentle man. Mr. Wieckert brings respect to the office as he does good work as well. Too early to tell about Dr.Kagen and his good works, but you are so right about "the moment," the pride, the impact.
Thanks for your observations.
Lee
Lee Parker (Tue Jan 30 08:38:48 2007)
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