Becky Harlan
Earlier this week, Montgomery County approved the creation of a new citizen-led book review committee for the public library's children, youth, and parenting division.
Any resident can now submit a book for consideration that falls into one of three sections by submitting their name and contact information. Filers do not need to provide proof of residency in the county.
The new library materials review policy is on the agenda for Tuesday's Montgomery County Commissioners Court meeting. According to the policy, “a citizen committee appointed by the Chief Justice of the Court will meet to formally consider requests for review of library materials.”
Teresa Kenney owns a bookstore in The Woodlands. She is concerned that librarians are not involved in the new process, she said.
“We are all in the business and have a passion for sharing our love of reading,” she said. “I think it would be a huge disservice to our community to limit incredibly highly educated librarians.”
Both the Citizens Committee and the residents who submitted the book for review must read the book in its entirety before it is reviewed. The book may then be moved to a higher age section or removed.
Books for adults are not reviewed by a citizen review board, but instead by a committee that includes at least two librarians. Additionally, the policy states that “library materials should not be removed based on perspective or information, but only on the basis of objective criteria set forth in Section 4 of the Collection Development and Maintenance Policy.'' ” is stated.
Still, advocates worry the commission could lead to censorship.
Ann Russey is the co-founder of the Texas Free Reading Project and parent of a Katy ISD student. She was vocal in her opposition to a book policy passed in the Houston area in September that bans all books showing or suggesting nudity. She said library books are becoming politicized in the state and nationally.
“The best idea that proponents of book banning and censorship are saying is that their goal is to protect children,” Lassie said. “But what we see in example after example is that the books they are actively fighting for removal contain positive and inclusive messages for LGBTQ youth, youth, and children. It means there are more and more books.”
Lassie's organization has started a petition campaign opposing Montgomery County's new book review policy. As of Thursday, the petition had more than 1,300 signatures from people across Texas.
