Slippery slope scenario #2.  If we allow such materials as “The Joy of Sex” and “The Joy of Gay Sex” to be available to all who come to the library including children “whether you like it or not”, what else should be available?  How far does the freedom for all adulthood reach?  Should we have a section in the middle of non-fiction (or maybe it would be more appropriate in the fiction section. . )  labled Human Sexuality with all levels of pornographic materials available? Where are the “Debbie...

In the library, as in life, there are things we all can agree are wonderful and things we’ll disagree about the respectability or appropriateness of.  Life doesn’t decide for your children what they should observe, neither should the library decide what they should read.  I’m all for content warnings, but censorship and restriction of availability is a slippery slope to a very bad place.

On a bit of a tangent, the “if you don’t like it, don’t use it” response that keeps popping up has no place...

It is not the responsibility of the library or it’s staff to teach children and young adults the respect and sensitivity that such materials require, nor is it their job to act as censors.  It is the job of each and every parent to do those things.  Likewise, it is not for Mrs. Borschers or anyone else to regulate and censor our library.  If you are uncomfortable with it, then don’t participate as a...

I advocate fervently the position that said Mrs. Borchers has taken to protect young children and students who are guests of the Topeka and Shawnee County Public Library. I understand that the freedom of the adult reader must not be hindered in this process, however, the restriction of these books to minors would not have any negative effects concerning the welfare of minors who may wish to read said books. They might be unhappy, but that is not appropriate and they should not have the...

I recently tried to renew online a fiction book I checked out. I got the message that the renewal limit was reached, although it was my first renewal, there were 5 copies available, and no holds on the title.  I was told it is an express fiction title, good only for 2 week checkout, and was nonrenewable.  I understand the philosophy of wanting to keep books in circulation, but since I live some distance from the library, I am having a copy mailed to me and returning the one I currently have. ...