1/23/2006

 

Book banners return to an old favorite

The Marion County Commission votes 3-2 to keep "Lolita," on open shelves in the adult section of the public library but also orders the county attorney to review the book and determine if it is "unsuitable for minors."

An Ocala Star-Banner editorial notes the poitics involved.
Commissioners Randy Harris and Stan McClain dissented. Harris, in the name of "protecting" children, which apparently he feels he can do better than their parents, has vigorously campaigned against the three or four books questioned over the years. McClain made cleaning up the library a core part of his 2004 election campaign. They can now promote their "losing" vote to their shared political base as their effort to stand up for morality, as they see it. Expect campaign ads.

In the end, the board handed off to County Attorney Gordon Johnston to research whether action can be taken under state laws that primarily concern the display or selling of pornography to minors in retail stores, not novels in public libraries.
Note, now, we are not talking about a school library or high school reading list here. We're talking about whether the book can be allowed in the adult section of a public library.

# posted by Lane @ 1/23/2006
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