After swimming today, I stayed in the car with Paige and Allie and sent the older kids into the library to get a few reading books. The children were given 10 minutes to locate the books, check out their items, and return to the car. Katie and Stephen went to the lowest level of the library to get some things from the Teen Room. Joe and Madelyn went upstairs to the Children's Room. Joe entered the library without any problems. When Madelyn was at the entrance to the children's area, she was approached by the head of the Children's Room. The woman asked Madelyn her age, where her mom was, who was watching her, and what was she doing.
After learning that Madelyn was 10, in 5th grade, her mom was in the car, and her older sister was in the Teen Room, the library stated that, "Because your 10, I guess it's okay." If Madelyn was 9 it should still be okay, if she is behaving appropriately and not loitering.
Last week, Stephen was checking out some Celtic music on a CD. This librarian asked him 3 times, if his mom would let him listen to this type of music. Finally she said,"I guess that it's okay. Next time, your mom should be with you." When were librarians asked to decide what is appropriate "G" rated music for someone else's child? There were no swear words, violent lyrics or obscene pictures on the cover. Children are allowed to check out CD's on their cards. I just don't understand her reasoning behind the questions and eventual permission.
This is the 4th time in 8 weeks that Madelyn and Steve have been approached by this woman when they were trying to locate materials in the Children's Room. I don't get it. Madelyn is 10 years old. Steve is 14 years old! Both kids are on the short side and could be mistaken for younger than their actual age, but they were not misbehaving. I can understand the librarians not wanting preschool-aged children and even early elementary-aged children running around unsupervised, but that was not what occurred.
I need to be honest, our family loved the former head of the Children's Room and miss her. She chose wonderful, quality books, loved children, welcomed everyone, and encouraged people to return to the library often. The new Children's Room head librarian hates home schooling, speaks in a condescending manner, and picks books with little literary merit. I can deal with all of that. Letting her harass my children is a lot more difficult.
As a public library, supported by tax payer's money, the library should be available for people to use. A patron should be allowed to quietly check out materials without being harassed. If a child or teen is horsing around or if children are left in the library for long periods of time, I could understand a librarian asking if the child is alone.
A lot of people feel that it "takes a village to raise a child". Many adults will be part of each child's life. Some of them will mentor the child, some will be a second grandparent, some will be teachers, pastors, and community helpers. It's good for children to interact with adults who are not their parents. But, when did the "village" get the right to decide what my child can read or listen to? When did the authority to decide at what age my child can pick out library books alone be taken from me? If a child is old enough to walk to school alone, prepare entire meals by herself, and supervise younger siblings for short periods of time, she is old enough to pick out a book without me holding her hand. Some children are ready at 8, some at 10, and some even older. End of Rant.
1 comment:
Perhaps a chat with the librarian is in order. As you referred to, they are working for you. :)
Post a Comment