OPINION: Books should not be banned in libraries or classrooms

From parents reading their kids bedtime stories, to college students frantically scanning through their textbooks, reading is always present in our lives. But what things should people not be able to read about? Can a book have topics that are so vile, so unreasonable, so inappropriate, that no child should be able to read it?

“I think the idea of educating students from a book that maybe has been banned or challenged is more about allowing a reader to have a discussion with somebody who maybe doesn’t feel like they should be reading that book,” said Drew Mundsinger, the OH Library Department Chair. 

There are a number of groups across the country that believe that all books containing certain topics should be banned. Groups like Moms for Liberty and MassResistance claim that books with controversial topics should be banned from school and public libraries for the protection of their children. Some of the most commonly banned books are those that discuss race, sexuality, and gender identity. The Village of Oswego has encountered attempts to challenge or ban books, none of which have been successful. In short, Oswego is with the banned. 

“I think an important question to ask when it comes to this is, “Why are they banning these books, to protect us, or to limit our knowledge so we don’t question corruption?”  said OH junior Isabella Davis. “ I think that question is especially relevant in recent years.” 

While books haven’t necessarily been marked as banned or challenged in the OH LRC, some have been challenged in the SD308 school district. The novel “TTYL” by Lauren Myracle, written in a text messaging format, contains sexual content that may bother parents. Due to complaints, the book was taken out of middle school libraries, and the remaining copies were moved to the high school libraries. “TTYL” remains on high school shelves—technically, this doesn’t constitute a book ban, but rather a challenge, as access has been limited but not removed.

Another book that has been frequently challenged nationwide is “Gender Queer – A Memoir” by Maia Kobabe, a real-life story about the author’s struggles with gender identity, body dysmorphia, and asexuality. 

This title is known as the most banned book in the United States, and the OH LRC has received emails asking about the availability of this book. It’s been targeted by groups for including LGBTQ+ themes and sexually explicit illustrations. 

But what if a student in the LGBTQ+ community desires to see themselves in a book character? What authority could deem a student’s life experiences as something that is not appropriate to be read about? 

“Books like these impact LGBTQA+/queer teens more than people realize,” said OH senior and True Colors member Kiersa Downs. “It can especially be both an opening or introduction to the community, and can be a reminder that these people exist and should be normalized within society.” 

Banning books is an attempt to ban these experiences. Banning books is a choice to not only turn a blind eye to experiences or ideas a person disagrees with, but makes it wrong for others to either see themselves in a story or understand a perspective. 

“It’s my personal opinion that…students should be able to read stories…where the characters resemble themselves and they see it in them,” said Mundsinger. 

There is a valid argument when it comes to content and accessibility. Should an elementary or middle school student have easy access to sexual content? Probably not. But should a high schooler?

For students on the verge of adulthood, it becomes a lot more complicated. Davis continues, “Everyone has a different set of beliefs of what is appropriate to have to the public and what is not. Who is to decide what is allowed and what is not?”

Banning books that contain diverse characters could make students that resonate with these figures feel alone, and like they aren’t being seen by others. The American Library Association states that: “As a population that is often the subject of discrimination and harassment, gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender people can benefit from the access to information which libraries provide and the sense of community which library programs can help foster.” 

Storybook worlds that don’t contain characters of different races, sexual orientation, and/or gender aren’t realistic, so why are we challenging stories that create a positive image for everyone? 

These perspectives are also crucial for those who can’t relate to certain characters, teaching them that everybody has differences and to teach everyone equal, even if they can’t see themselves in them. This lesson is taught in kindergarten, all the way through adulthood: Treat people the way you want to be treated. 

If books are only challenged because certain people do not agree with the perspectives it contains, what does that say about the willingness of American citizens to listen to each other? What happened to the value of every person’s story? 

“I think as a person who reads, it’s important for me to try to know what people are saying so then I can have an educated discussion,” said Mundsinger. “I’d rather have a discussion with somebody who disagrees with me, and hopefully they’re educated as well.” 

After a week of reflecting during Banned Books Week, students can understand how censorship diminishes their quality of education. All books should be available to not just students, but every human being, so we can all become an understanding, and educated, humankind. 

“The people that [censor] these book’s messages and get them banned are [all] the same types of people, so maybe we should focus on that, rather than a kid coming out as trans in a book,” said Downs. 

There are a number of banned books that you can enjoy in the LRC, and at the local Oswego Public Library. Banning books is a form of censorship, ignorance, and the ever-growing inability for Americans to accept everyone, regardless of their differences. The state of Illinois has a program called “Unite Against Book Bans in Illinois” where local book bannings, challenges, and restrictions can be reported.