To the Journal editor:

On May 23, the culture wars came to Marquette in the form of a request to remove a book on LGBTQIA themes in the Young Adult collection at Peter White Public Library.

The request had gone through the full process of review by the Library staff and a vote of the Board not to remove the book. The patron appealed which meant the request went to a public session of the library board.

That evening, not one person from the public spoke in favor of removing the book. Thirty-five Marquette citizens spoke either in favor of retaining this particular book or against book banning in general. Among them was Pri Burnham, spokesperson for the Marquette County League of Women Voters. She quoted the Michigan League’s position on book banning:

“Library staff, operating within the standards of the American Library Association, should make professional decisions about selection, organization, preservation, and dissemination of resources, services and technologies without political interference. Public libraries support our First Amendment right to intellectual freedom and expression by playing an important role in facilitating free and open access to information. Individuals should be trusted to make their own decisions about what they read and believe. Removing and banning books from public libraries is a slippery slope to government censorship and the erosion of our country’s commitment to freedom of expression.”

All PWPL Board members take an oath of office to uphold the U.S. and state constitutions which guarantee First Amendment rights. The librarians and staff are expected to uphold the American Library Association Bill of Rights.

The League of Women Voters of Marquette County appreciates the dedicated work of PWPL librarians and staff to select and present quality books containing ideas from all perspectives. We will support all the libraries in Marquette County against any efforts to restrict the free flow of ideas.

The League of Women Voters is a non-partisan, non-profit, political organization that encourages informed and active participation in government, works to increase understanding of major public policy issues, and influences public policy through education and advocacy.