Dear Library Lovers -
Libraries and books have received a lot of complex media and political attention lately. In the past few years an increasing number of challenges to a wide variety of content in libraries have been brought forward all over the country, at both school and public libraries. Our library is no exception. This is foreign territory for many of us in the profession. Libraries generally operate outside the limelight, offering a service that most people respect and appreciate unconditionally. But as the status quo changes, we are adjusting as well.
I don’t intend to make any kind of statement on the challenges that have occurred. From the perspective of the Greendale Library, I have confidence in our policies, competent professionals, and Library Board to make good decisions about what materials, displays and programs our library provides. And we have robust procedures for managing concerns carefully and objectively. I trust the decades of professional wisdom we’ve developed, and our close connection to this community, to guide us in making the right choices.
What I do intend to do, however, is make you aware of several pieces of lawmaking under consideration right now in the Wisconsin state Senate that specifically concern public and school libraries. It’s not often that libraries get the focused attention of our state’s lawmakers, so I’m highlighting it here. Again, without my commentary, it’s simply important for you as a library lover to know what’s being proposed and exercise your right to provide your opinion to your elected officials regarding your feelings on the topics under discussion.
An internet search for Wisconsin Senate Bills 597, 598, and 615 will help you become familiar with the topics. Myvote.wi.gov will help you find your Senators’ contact information based on your address. You may not find this legislation to seem particularly impactful or important, and that’s fine. Even so, if you’ve read this, and maybe even done the internet search above, that tells me you at least care enough to be curious about lawmaking related to Wisconsin’s libraries. For that I’m grateful. Please, continue to be curious, continue to share your thoughts with me and the Library Board, and continue to support your library!
Happy Holidays, All!
See you at the Library!
Brian Van Klooster
Mission of the Greendale Public Library:
We strive to transform lives and strengthen our community by creating a safe, welcoming, and inclusive home for information, learning, inspiration, and connection.
