A librarian in Tulsa told me something that still bothers me

I was browsing the young adult section at my local library a few months ago and an older librarian came up to me. She didn't say hello or ask if I needed help. She just pointed at a copy of "The Hate U Give" on display and said "you know that book is banned in three counties south of here, right?" I asked why and she leaned in close and whispered "because it makes kids question authority." That really stuck with me. She wasn't mad about it, she almost sounded proud that the book was on her shelf anyway. Has anyone else had a librarian or teacher say something like that to you about a challenged book?

2 comments

2 Comments

matthew_reed501d ago

yo that librarian sounds awesome. i had a teacher in 7th grade slip me a copy of "speak" by laurie halse anderson and just said "some parents tried to get this pulled from the shelves last year, read it before they try again." i was like 12 and didnt even know books could get banned until then. it totally clicked why she was so quiet about it, like she was doing something kinda rebellious just by letting me borrow it. honestly those are the librarians and teachers who actually care about kids thinking for themselves, not just memorizing test answers. the fact that she pointed out the ban like it was a badge of honor says everything.

patel.leo1d ago

Yeah that's the thing about banned books, they're usually the ones that make you actually think.