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The Ferguson Library Board voted for the library to become a book sanctuary, and Stanford Mayor Caroline Simmons took the additional step of declaring Stanford a book sanctuary city.
This unusual move follows the lead of the Chicago Public Library and the City of Chicago. Our Board has taken this step because book challenges have increased dramatically (in his first six months of 2022, he has over 1,600 unique titles challenged across the country). rice field).
We’ve all seen recent news reports about book challenges, as well as proposals for legislation to govern library collections. A recent poll (by Hart Research Associates and North Star Opinion Research) showed 71% of voters opposed removing books from their local libraries, but the book challenge is on the rise. I’m here.
Public support for freedom to read is fundamental to our democracy. Unlike in other countries where access to information can be suppressed or facts manipulated by governments, here in the United States this attack on freedom to read can be done by individuals or organized groups such as Moms for Liberty. It is done. These attempts to remove books from libraries are direct attacks on democracy (attacks on librarians via social media and board meetings, and how these threats chill the selection of new materials). does not mention whether).
Libraries today offer many opportunities for economic development, early literacy, English language learning, access to bestsellers, and more, but one of our most important roles is that of a facilitator of civil society. and parental role. And that means providing access to content that may offend you, but also provides opportunities to learn, think, and grow.
So what does the sanctuary of the book mean? The Ferguson Library collects and preserves endangered books, presents them to the public, hosts book talks, events, and conversations about various characters and stories, and advocates for book banning and burning. I am committed to educating others about history. This has always been part of our mission, but in this era of book censorship and attacks on free speech, the work has taken on new significance.
Together with the City of Stanford, we are proud to defend intellectual freedom and the right to read.
Alice Knapp is the CEO of Stanford University’s Ferguson Libraries.
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