I am a retired teacher who volunteers in an elementary school library and am troubled by parents asking that books be banned from shelves. Recently, some wanted Harry Potter removed. One objected to a collection of Halloween poems. Last week, a parent demanded we remove a new award-winning book about an orphan girl without ever reading it! Our librarian serves two others schools, so it's up to me to explain the First Amendment to parents. I applaud parental involvement but feel strongly that a few parents should not be able to decide what belongs in a school library. I'm ready to quit! Any advice?

Don't quit. Skirmishes in the culture wars are often waged in libraries, some of our greatest democratic institutions. Libraries offer free access to a range of social and political views. It would be inconceivable to think that everyone would like or approve of everything on a library's shelves.

School libraries come under special scrutiny because we want children to learn to choose their own reading materials, and some parents would like titles they deem inappropriate removed from their child's consideration. "Parents have the right to determine what materials their children read, but they do not have a right to dictate what materials are available in the library media center," says Carl Harvey, a library media specialist at North Elementary School in Noblesville, Ind.

What's the best way to handle parents' concerns?

First, make sure your school has a system to handle parents' questions, says Harvey, editorial adviser to Library Media Connection magazine. "A clear policy makes your job easier." Most districts have the following: a system to review and evaluate what materials go into the library; a process to help guide children in selecting reading material; and a policy and channel for parents to express their concerns. Include teachers, a representative group of parents, school board members and interested community members in crafting these policies. The American Library Association (ala.org) has resources to can help you.

Second, don't throw the First Amendment at parents, important as it is. Engage them, instead, by pointing out their important role in helping their children learn to read and love books. "When parents talk with their children about books, it shows kids that their parents value reading," says Harvey. "Discussing books is not only a great way to have meaningful conversations with your children, it gives them opportunities to ask questions about things they didn't understand, or for a parent to comment how they might have handled a similar situation described in a book."

Third, encourage parents to spell out for children the types of books they think are appropriate. "While it's fine for parents to alert school librarians to their preferences, decisions about what materials are suitable for particular children should be made by the people who know them best -- their parents or guardians. It's a parents' job to guide a child's selections, just as they set criteria for appropriate movies and TV shows," says Harvey. "Parents can do this by reading reviews, previewing the books online, talking with other parents, and taking trips to bookstores and libraries with their child." A useful Web site with reviewer, parent and child ratings of children's books is www.commonsensemedia.org.

Finally, win parental support by explaining how the library plays a key role in the academic life of a school. "Teachers rely on it for materials to make a curriculum come alive. Librarians work hard to create rich collections that will get students hooked on reading," says Harvey. "Kids today come to school from many different backgrounds, have myriad interests, span a range of reading and maturity levels. Librarians know that not every book is for every child, but when we assemble a broad collection, we can help every child find a suitable book that will help develop a love of reading. For example, "The Higher Power of Lucky," winner of the 2007 Newbery Medal and the book I imagine you're referring to, could easily be read by many third graders, but the topic and language in it may not be appropriate for some. Just because the book won a prestigious award doesn't mean it's for everyone. It will be perfect for some students and their families. Others will pass on it for something else that means more to them."

Librarian Tip

April 15 through 21 is National Library Week. Celebrate by visiting your school or public library with your children. "Research shows that the more kids choose to read in their free time, the better they do in school. Once a child gets hooked on a book or series, build on that interest to keep them reading," says school media specialist Carl Harvey. Talk with your school or local librarian about your child's interests and reading levels and make a list of appropriate authors or books your child might want to read through the summer. This way you can keep an eye out for these titles at book swaps and yard sales. If your child doesn't have a valid library card, sign up for one. It's an important rite of passage for all children.

Copyright 2007, United Feature Syndicate, Inc.  

A-Plus Advice For Parents, aplusadvice.com

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