Gay and lesbian Americans concerned with censorship at public libraries recently donated copies of the children's books "Heather Has Two Mommies" and "Daddy's Roommate" to the Wasilla, Alaska, public library, where then-Mayor Sarah Palin asked a librarian about banning books.
The Frontiersman put the story on today's front page: Gay-lesbian titles donated to Wasilla Library. The Frontiersman is the daily newspaper in the Mat-Su Valley, covering Gov. Palin's hometown of Wasilla.
Mike Petrelis ... said he was aghast to read reports of Palin's 1996 inquiry about banning certain books at Wasilla's library. "I said, 'I'm going to send copies of both books just to make sure they're on the shelves.'"
Ms. Palin, as a Wasilla city councilwoman in 1995, told colleagues that she noticed the book "Daddy's Roommate" on the library shelves and that it did not belong there, according to Laura Chase, Palin's campaign manager, and former Mayor John Stein, Palin's predecessor.
Ms. Chase read the book, which helps children understand homosexuality, and said it was inoffensive. She suggested that Ms. Palin read it, according to the NYTimes.com article.
"Sarah said she didn't need to read that stuff," Ms. Chase said. "It was disturbing that someone would be willing to remove a book from the library and she didn't even read it."
Mr. Petrelis' book donation was made in anticipation of Banned Books Week, which begins on September 27.
Tim Stallard, owner of Out in Alaska, a gay and lesbian guide service, said he thinks the effort is well-placed.
"I think it's a good statement," Stallard said. "I think in a free society like ours, openness and education and information are always important."
Library Director KJ Martin-Albright said she has received the books but, like any donation, they have to go through a process that determines what to do with them.
There are two options for donations. Either the library puts the book on the shelves or gives it to Friends of the Library to be sold.
The Frontiersman article is neutral, with only one mention of "books that explain gay lifestyle" (sic) showing the reporter's lack of knowledge about gay and lesbian topics.
However, many of the comments are negative:
" I just heard there is a third book being sent to the Wasilla Library --------- Daddy's roommate has an STD. "
" I don't think those books should be in the library. I agree with what Tammy wrote, there should be more Biblical based stories. Lets all pull together as parents and promote that these books be banned from our public library. "
" Go ahead and put this trash on the shelves of the library. When you do, I personnally will check them out and you will never see them again. I'm sure they will burn just fine!! "
Some comments were supportive:
" I LOVE IT! Wish I had thought of it first. I understand that she didn't actually ban a book, but I think it was wildly inappropriate for her to test the waters. I think this is an excellent response to what was clearly a veiled attempt at censorship. "
" The public library is intended to serve the entire public, religious, non-religious, homosexual, heterosexual, and so on. If you don't want your kids reading certain books...do your job as their parent and don't let them read them! Of course, a better parenting technique would be to not shield your children from any knowledge but encourage them to think critically about it and come to their own conclusions. "
" For Heaven's sake, and for the sake of gay kids --like the one I was-- PLEASE don't hide information on this from the ones who desperately need it. PLEASE. "
And this commenter sounds confused:
" I dont think any kids need to be reading about any sexuality at the library. The library is about learning. "
Check out the full story in the Frontiersman.
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