Library freedom

April is School Library Month. One of the many values the school library contributes is intellectual freedom.

The American Library Association defines intellectual freedom as “the right of every individual to both seek and receive information from all points of view without restriction.” All students should have access to a variety of materials, even those that have been challenged.

Why should books be in school libraries? For one, students spend the majority of their day at school. They use the school library to find books that they can relate to.

Many times the reason a book is challenged is due to the content. For example, the character in the story may be questioning their sexuality or has been through something painful. It’s possible that the reader can relate to this. These books can make students who have had similar experiences feel less alone.

Even if a student cannot relate to these heavy topics, students can still learn from the characters.

A Common Sense Media article by Regan McMahon states that challenged books can “build empathy for people unlike themselves, and possibly discover a mirror of their own experience.” Students can learn about what others go through and understand them a little more through these books.

Now that you know how important intellectual freedom is with challenged books — fight. Look up your local school board’s challenged book policy. Become familiar with it and speak up if something in it does not support intellectual freedom. You never know who you’re helping by being a supporter.

Natalie Pernites, Salem Middle School teacher, Virginia Beach