Week 13 Prompt Response
I will fight anyone who says that something is not a legitimate reading choice.
But not really, because I would prefer not to fight anyone.
That said, I have always found it ridiculous when someone disapproves of someone else’s reading choices. The American Library Association’s Freedom to Read statement includes the following: “There is no place in our society for efforts to coerce the taste of others, to confine adults to the reading matter deemed suitable for adolescents, or to inhibit the efforts of writers to achieve artistic expression” (ALA, 2006). I think an excellent point in that statement is There is no place in our society for efforts to coerce the taste of others, which is what judgment of reading choices comes down to. Most people are susceptible to judgment from others, and if an adult is led to believe that reading young adult novels or graphic novels makes them appear “childish” or “immature,” then they might feel ashamed of choosing those books. It could potentially put them off reading entirely, especially if there is nothing else that interests them. All reading is valid, whether it’s a young adult novel or a Harlequin romance about the billionaire Texan’s twin surprise.
In order to serve adults who enjoy YA literature or graphic novels, libraries can make efforts to not sequester teen materials. For example, arranging the library so that teen books are close to adult books while still being their own section. If the teen section was enclosed in a room with large “TEENS” signs put up, it would send a very strong message that adults were not welcome there, thus preventing YA-seeking adults from feeling comfortable in browsing.
On a more individual level, including young adult books or graphic novels in readers’ advisory also helps de-stigmatize these materials. While not everyone will be interested in those options, making it clear that you, as a librarian, consider them “legitimate” enough to recommend can go a long way in changing someone’s perspective if they are against YA or graphic novel literature.
Hi Lauren,
ReplyDeleteOkay, first off, that intro cracked me up (right there with you). And I’m in complete agreement with you. Like you yourself noted, those kinds of exclusionary attitudes are just so antithetical to the values libraries and library professionals should be promoting, like you pointed out; it’s right there in our guiding documents. I also really appreciated your observation about physically sequestering certain materials. I definitely think that would discourage engagement and make adults feel embarrassed about browsing. Better to try and be open and accessible and make it so no one is made to feel awkward or out-of-place browsing whatever happens to interest them.
It was my immediate response and I ended up just leaving it! It captures quite well my general attitude toward "illegitimate reading material" and censorship.
DeleteAnd so many people, myself included, feel awkward in any space, and striving to create spaces that feel welcoming to all would go a long way toward encouraging individuals to feel at home in their library.
I totally agree with Jacob! That is too funny!
ReplyDeleteI have always thought that any reading at all is good reading. I don't really think that anyone besides the reader needs to dictate what they read.
That ALA Freedom to Read Statement is always so handy and relevant about so many library related topics. It's nice that we have that official language to really point to when we are defending or discussing reading habits + libraries. You used it really well in demonstrating your argument!
ReplyDeleteI like the statement you made about how "all reading is valid." I wish more people would see it that way. In our current climate it seems like there are more and more groups who are trying to ban more and more books. If people could learn to live and let live, I think the world would be a much happier place.
ReplyDeleteI agree, things would be much better. I live in Missouri and our government is currently trying to ban all state funding of public libraries, ultimately because libraries protested an attempted ban of—when it comes down to it—LGBTQ books in minors' spaces. At first it was just "if you don't abide by this ban, you won't receive funding" but now they're throwing a hissy fit and are just taking it all away regardless of the ban. Super fun times.
DeleteHi Lauren,
ReplyDeleteI like your point about not closing of teen spaces or making them otherwise uninviting for people not in that age group. My library is the process of expanding and renovating our facility and you point made me wander about the what the new teen hangout area will be like. Hopefully it won't be a put off to the many adult patrons we have that make liberal use of our current YA section.