Melissa in St Louis Posted October 16, 2008 Share Posted October 16, 2008 I have always been very cautious...and stayed close to my kiddos when we are in the library, but now I am freaked out. I have never understood why sex offenders are allowed to go to libraries (ok, I get WHY legally, it just doesn't make sense...libraries should be a kid safe hangout!), and I have heard horror stories about kids being raped or abducted or harmed in libraries. Anyhoo, a few nights ago we had a speaker at our homeschool meeting from this site www.knowyourlibrary.org and several of us are now kind of in a state of panic. We go to a small, heavily conservative Christian library and we are often the only family there, but you can't get EVERYTHING there....they don't have tons of stuff on ancient history and life sciences, for example, so I have to get those through the "regular" library. Generally, I request books online from the "regular" library and go get them when they are ready, but the kiddos are always with me..and they want to browse, and I want to support thier love of reading so I let them look and pick out a few things each. But now I feel like I need to get a sitter or something so I can run in and grab my books! Good grief! The woman the other night was saying that undercover officers go to publicized children's events at the library and often see more offenders there than children. :crying: That's my rant and my question. Do you feel the same way? Melissa in St Louis Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
missplacedalaskan Posted October 16, 2008 Share Posted October 16, 2008 I had never even considered that the library might not be a safe place for my Dc! WOW! I do feel safe at our libraries here, but will be more diligent about keeping an eye on my Dc while there. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jplain Posted October 16, 2008 Share Posted October 16, 2008 I've felt safe in our libraries since I became an adult, and I've never had a funny feeling about anyone hanging out in the children's area. But thank you for the reminder. One day when I was a teenager, studying at the library, an adult male exposed himself to me. (Actually he was masturbating. Ick.) I'm not sure why I didn't tell anyone.... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Colleen Posted October 16, 2008 Share Posted October 16, 2008 Yep, I feel safe and info like this doesn't cause me undue concern. Statistically speaking your child is in more "danger" at a family/friend function than at the library. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dangermom Posted October 16, 2008 Share Posted October 16, 2008 I work at the library a bit, and take my children there a lot. I feel safe there, though I am also acquainted with most of the mentally impaired people who come there. The library is a public place. It is not for babysitting. Of course librarians want the library to be a safe place for everyone, especially for children, but at the same time they really, really want parents to be with their children, because it's a public place, open to everyone. That said, I have no worries about my kids while we're there; I'm happy to let them look for books and sit and read in the children's room. After all, it's not that huge a space; I can see pretty much everyone in the room. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Valerie in Chicago Posted October 16, 2008 Share Posted October 16, 2008 My sister is a cop. I've learned to be cautious *everywhere* as a result of our conversations. As far as libraries, here in the city, they are sometimes a free and warm place to go for people who don't really have any interest in reading. And at the risk of being more realistic than politically correct, *yes* I keep a very close eye on the kids. And myself, for that matter. I've noticed, however, that the kids' sections at our libraries have lots of adult supervision and are never tucked into the back of the building. I imagine that that is on purpose. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Daisy Posted October 16, 2008 Share Posted October 16, 2008 I feel as safe at the library as I do any other place. My children have to remain within sight of me at all times. At our local library this means they pretty much have run of the place and are on a first name basis with the librarians. At the downtown library, they must stay with me. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Crissy Posted October 16, 2008 Share Posted October 16, 2008 (edited) I absolutely feel safe in our library. So much so that I've allowed my son to volunteer since he was 11 years old. I would walk in with him, and let him at his work while I went shopping or home to do a bit of my own work. Then I'd pick him up inside the front door when he was finished. These days I drop him off outside the building and pick him up at the same spot 5 hours later. I don't worry so much about sex offenders in any one place. In my opinion, they are everywhere. We continually talk about personal safety measures, and my boys always have a cell phone with them when they are out. Edited October 16, 2008 by Crissy Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
NicksMama-Zack's Mama Too Posted October 16, 2008 Share Posted October 16, 2008 I let my kids roam freely through it. We are "regulars" and know all the librarians. There is a bathroom in the children's area that I tell my kids to use. They have to ask the children's librarian for a key and the bathroom is right by her desk, so I feel confident that they are safe. I don't keep my eye on my kids every minute. They are aware of stranger danger and I doubt they would let anyone take them anywhere. We've had many discussions with them and their Sensei's at karate discuss personal safety with them also as well as shown them techniques to get away. I advocate the book "Protecting the Gift" and encourage my children to listen to their inner feelings when it come to meeting people. If someone gives them the creeps, then I tell them to respect that feeling and get away from that person asap. Everyone that I've know that has been molested, has been molested by a relative or a friend of their family. It most cases, it was their mother's boyfriend. Same for kidnapping. I refuse to live in fear. K Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tibbyl Posted October 16, 2008 Share Posted October 16, 2008 (edited) I have always been very cautious...and stayed close to my kiddos when we are in the library, but now I am freaked out. I have never understood why sex offenders are allowed to go to libraries (ok, I get WHY legally, it just doesn't make sense...libraries should be a kid safe hangout!), and I have heard horror stories about kids being raped or abducted or harmed in libraries. Anyhoo, a few nights ago we had a speaker at our homeschool meeting from this site www.knowyourlibrary.org and several of us are now kind of in a state of panic. We go to a small, heavily conservative Christian library and we are often the only family there, but you can't get EVERYTHING there....they don't have tons of stuff on ancient history and life sciences, for example, so I have to get those through the "regular" library. Generally, I request books online from the "regular" library and go get them when they are ready, but the kiddos are always with me..and they want to browse, and I want to support thier love of reading so I let them look and pick out a few things each. But now I feel like I need to get a sitter or something so I can run in and grab my books! Good grief! The woman the other night was saying that undercover officers go to publicized children's events at the library and often see more offenders there than children. :crying: That's my rant and my question. Do you feel the same way? Melissa in St Louis I have patronized my public libraries my entire life. Although I never was fearful for my safety at any of them including the ones in my former high crime neighborhood, I used reasonable safety precautions same as I would in any other public place. Know who is behind Knowyourlibrary.org. They are associated with American Family Association's CAP (Citizens Against Pornography) although their website states they are unrelated organizations; google the news articles about the recent CAP activities in St Louis area. CAP is the group that pressured certain hotels to not offer sexually explicit movies. If they can convince parents that libraries are denizens of perverts, they are likely to accomplish their goal: the ability to determine which young adult books are sexually explicit and move them to an "adults only" section. http://www.southcountytimes.com/Articles-i-2008-08-22-79519.113117_Do_You_Know_What_Your_Teen_May_Be_Reading.html Excerpts: .. The group presented a petition bearing signatures of about 150 citizens. The petition calls on trustees to establish a seven-person "Adult Advisory Committee" to provide input and advice to the board "regarding the appropriateness of material for young readers." ... Others books singled out by Citizens Against Pornography for containing explicit sexual material include: "Alice On Her Way," by Phyllis Naylor; "Growing Up Gay In America" by Jason R. Rich, "The Little Black Book For Girls: A Book on Healthy Sexuality" by Youth For Youth; "Rainbow Boys" by Alex Sanchez; and "Making Sexual Decisions: The Ultimate Teenage Guide" by Kris Gowen. ... Edited October 17, 2008 by tibbyl Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
smilesonly Posted October 16, 2008 Share Posted October 16, 2008 I feel safe,but would never leave my younger dc alone-or even alone in one part of the library. That being said, my 12yo volunteered this past summer in two hour time slots. She helpedout with a children's program,stayed in the children's area,was always with the other youth volunteer,and yes, I left her there-and felt safe-and so did she. Our newer libraries are designed so that the dc's area is away from the rest of the library, and there is always a librarian at the desk near by. Smiles:) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TraceyS/FL Posted October 16, 2008 Share Posted October 16, 2008 I do right now - but i'm not going to feel as much when the expansion is done. There will be wayyyy too many places in the area that someone cant' monitor. But right now, pretty much. I drop my older 2 off for art class once a week, but i'd never drop off just my middle one. We'd skip class or i'd find a way to stay with her. I also don't drop them off after school is out here. WAYYYYY too many unsupervised kids. I live in an area with a large number of sex offenders - their pictures are posted at the entrance. But i do worry more about the unregistered ones than those. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
NevadaRabbit Posted October 16, 2008 Share Posted October 16, 2008 Bad stuff can happen anywhere. Keep your eyes open, listen to your instincts, teach your kids how to be safe, and don't live in fear; just be alert. A co-worker of mine back in Upland, Calif was running errands with her two kids. At one of their stops, her 9 year old daughter went to the restroom while Mom and other daughter gathered what they needed. When 9yo hadn't come out in a few minutes, Mom went in the restroom to find 9yo, pants down, in a stall staring in fear at the man who had followed her in and pushed her stall door open. Mom pinned the man in a choke hold against the wall while older daughter ran for help. They were in the public library. Doesn't mean all public libraries are unsafe. Does mean we need to be alert. Everywhere. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jennifer3141 Posted October 16, 2008 Share Posted October 16, 2008 I feel as safe at the library as I do out in any public place. Although my kids are little terrorists. I typically have to defend the place from us! Jen Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Laura Corin Posted October 16, 2008 Share Posted October 16, 2008 I feel that they are safe. Stranger danger is rare compared to relative-danger and nice-Mr-Jones-across-the-road danger. Laura Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
HRAAB Posted October 16, 2008 Share Posted October 16, 2008 Goodness, yes I feel safe at the library. We're not a little town either, but nowhere as populated as St. Louis. My girls go the children's section alone, and I never worry. Now I have to admit that if I was in the main branch in the city, I might not be as comfortable with letting the little ones go off. I love our community library. We hang out there all the time. Janet Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Paula in MS Posted October 16, 2008 Share Posted October 16, 2008 Our library has a new policy that you have to be with your children at all times. My daughter was reading at a table the other day and I went to the card catalog and got reprimanded. They have changed the definition of "accompanied" in the library to "standing beside." So, you can't even take them to the children's section to browse anymore. The reason for all of this is that there is a flasher who has been flashing children in the library. And for the record, our town has very little crime and is generally a safe place. The library is not set up very good. Even in the children's section, you cannot see your child if they are not right beside you because of the high bookshelves. So, even those I was close to my child and she was supervised, I got in trouble. Needless to say, we won't be going to the library anymore. I will order the books online and pick up at the front desk. It is just not child-friendly anymore. Paula Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Academy of Jedi Arts Posted October 16, 2008 Share Posted October 16, 2008 I feel safe at my library. I feel safe letting dd7 be alone in the library and walk to a nearby business for a few minutes. She knows enough about how to take care of herself and I pity the fool who tires to touch her or get her to leave. And I am sure if someone flashed her she would not be scarred for life. She knows what a penis is. She would probably laugh at the sicko. I will have to go talk to her though, because I don't think we've ever discussed flashers. Like another poster said, I refuse to live in fear. I can not believe some right wing group is trying to make people afraid of the library in order to further their agenda. That's outrageous! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Crissy Posted October 16, 2008 Share Posted October 16, 2008 I can not believe some right wing group is trying to make people afraid of the library in order to further their agenda. That's outrageous! Yes. That is maddening. :mad: Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
joannqn Posted October 16, 2008 Share Posted October 16, 2008 I feel safer at some branches than others. Having said that, we usually go to the downtown library because it has the best selection and that's the library that I feel is the least safe. While outside the library, they are not allowed to run very far ahead of me. That part of town is full of homeless people, drug addicts, drunks, and violent people. We've had to walk by people staggering down the street or witness near brawls as people yell, scream, and curse at each other. There are two security guards staffed by the library. Their desk is outside the bathroom. Only one person (or parent with children) is allowed in the bathroom at one time and you cannot enter the bathroom until they have inspected it. They inspect the bathroom again when you leave. That's because they often find drug needles in the bathroom. There is another bathroom upstairs in the children's section. It is locked at all times. You have to get the librarian to unlock it and only children are allowed to use it. Despite that, I allow my 6 and 8 year old to wander the children's section (which is upstairs) while I'm wandering around the children's section looking for books to supplement our curriculum. I check on them very frequently though. They are not allowed to leave the children's section for any reason. If an adult tries to make them leave, they are to yell "stranger" and fight with all they have in them. They are VERY well versed in stranger safety so I feel they can handle that kind of freedom even in that library. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Melissa in St Louis Posted October 16, 2008 Author Share Posted October 16, 2008 I guess re-reading my first post it comes across as if I am just concerned about the people there, but I'm not living in a shell....I realize danger is everywhere. I think I was just really shocked at the books that are now in the CHILDREN's section, where you would think there wouldn't be sexual instruction manuals!:001_huh: I don't really think anyone is trying to "scare" anyone else. If no one tells parents that this "information" is hiding in innocent-looking books, parents would never know. I guess I am just one that would like to know so I can keep an eye out for such and protect little eyes. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JudyJudyJudy Posted October 16, 2008 Share Posted October 16, 2008 Yep, I feel safe and info like this doesn't cause me undue concern. Statistically speaking your child is in more "danger" at a family/friend function than at the library. I agree 100%. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Audrey Posted October 16, 2008 Share Posted October 16, 2008 I feel that they are safe. Stranger danger is rare compared to relative-danger and nice-Mr-Jones-across-the-road danger. Laura There aren't enough of these :iagree: to express my sentiment. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Audrey Posted October 16, 2008 Share Posted October 16, 2008 I guess re-reading my first post it comes across as if I am just concerned about the people there, but I'm not living in a shell....I realize danger is everywhere. I think I was just really shocked at the books that are now in the CHILDREN's section, where you would think there wouldn't be sexual instruction manuals!:001_huh: I don't really think anyone is trying to "scare" anyone else. If no one tells parents that this "information" is hiding in innocent-looking books, parents would never know. I guess I am just one that would like to know so I can keep an eye out for such and protect little eyes. So what you're REALLY saying is to be on alert to censor our own children's reading material? Or, were you wanting this organization you admired to do the censoring for everyone else, too? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Melissa in St Louis Posted October 16, 2008 Author Share Posted October 16, 2008 Good grief. I was just trying to be helpful and share what I learned. :glare: Melissa in St Louis Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
newlifemom Posted October 16, 2008 Share Posted October 16, 2008 I guess re-reading my first post it comes across as if I am just concerned about the people there, but I'm not living in a shell....I realize danger is everywhere. I think I was just really shocked at the books that are now in the CHILDREN's section, where you would think there wouldn't be sexual instruction manuals!:001_huh: I don't really think anyone is trying to "scare" anyone else. If no one tells parents that this "information" is hiding in innocent-looking books, parents would never know. I guess I am just one that would like to know so I can keep an eye out for such and protect little eyes. :iagree: I try to preread all books that my dc check out. I do not think the children's (as in 12 and under) is the place for any material of a sexual nature. The parents should and could check these types of books out for discussion with their own children from the adult section as they deem necessary for their own children. I just came from the library the other day asking the children's librarian to please consider moving a book from the children to teen section b/c I thought it was too explicit. I am all for free speech and don't believe in censorship for adults. I do however believe in protecting my dc from material that I would find objectionable. That said, I feel fairly safe in the library, but still like to keep an eye on the kids b/c it is a public place and anyone can be in there at anytime. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
newlifemom Posted October 16, 2008 Share Posted October 16, 2008 So what you're REALLY saying is to be on alert to censor our own children's reading material? Or, were you wanting this organization you admired to do the censoring for everyone else, too? Yes, for the children's section absolutely yes. I cannot read all the books and my children will and are learning about those kinds of things from dh and myself. I can use all the help I can get in finding great literature that is not objectionable. I am really mostly concerned about sexual situations in books. Keep them in the library all you want, just not in the children's section. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bee Posted October 16, 2008 Share Posted October 16, 2008 The one thing I did try to forbid,Cosmo Girl (the magazine) for my 12 yo dd, dh said not to.So we don't. Actually,the thing that I find most dangerous for dd in the library is her habit of reading the same books over and over and over again.I keep telling her to expand her mind. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
newlifemom Posted October 16, 2008 Share Posted October 16, 2008 Actually,the thing that I find most dangerous for dd in the library is her habit of reading the same books over and over and over again.I keep telling her to expand her mind. :iagree:, but I let her. I just make sure that we also get new books as well. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tibbyl Posted October 16, 2008 Share Posted October 16, 2008 (edited) Donald Wildmon's (of Amer. Fam. Ass'n) St Louis chapter CAP , known as "Citizens for Decency" (CFD) in film "Heart of the Beholder" was responsible for running a chain of local video rental stores out of business in St. Louis back in 80s. The video chain refused to pull "Last Temptation of Christ" from their shelves to appease the moral watchdogs. "Splash" was another film the decency crusaders objected to because it allegedly promoted bestiality. The group blackmailed the prostitute-frequenting prosecuting attorney into filing obscenity charges against the video store owners. Ultimately, the prosecutor was brought down when it was discovered that he used prostitutes. The film is worth watching as a reminder of moral compromises that decency crusaders are willing to make in their zeal for control of access to what they deem sexual or otherwise objectionable material. http://www.beholder.com/ Edited October 16, 2008 by tibbyl Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Parabola Posted October 16, 2008 Share Posted October 16, 2008 Good grief. I was just trying to be helpful and share what I learned. :glare: Melissa in St Louis Yes but it was perhaps a little misleading to express concern over child predators in a library, when actually the concern was the reading materials. Yes, for the children's section absolutely yes. I cannot read all the books and my children will and are learning about those kinds of things from dh and myself. I can use all the help I can get in finding great literature that is not objectionable. I am really mostly concerned about sexual situations in books. Keep them in the library all you want, just not in the children's section. I don't trust anybody, not one organization, to make our reading decisions for us. I'm not sure what your threshhold is re. sexual situations and thats exactly my point. Only you can decide what's acceptable for your family. Unless of course your goal is complete censorship, then you'd probably have no problem finding an organization to tell you what to read. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Melissa in St Louis Posted October 16, 2008 Author Share Posted October 16, 2008 I wasn't trying to promote a specific group, just saying that is where I got the info. I provided a link so that you could read for yourself how unbelievable the material is. I would feel horrible if some mom posted on here that her child brought home this kind of material because the mom didn't have any idea that such things were in the children's section. I felt that since I had the info, I should share it. Melissa in St Louis Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
newlifemom Posted October 17, 2008 Share Posted October 17, 2008 I like to hear what a lot of different people say about books. What's good for ages, studying ancient Egypt, trees, or biographies. I see what WTM has to say, Cathy Duffy, homeschool groups I am affiliated with, this board, and friends. It's a starting point. I think a book that talks about a man pulling a young girl onto his lap and kissing her hard "as a man", and it creating feelings in her she has never known is inappropriate for children. It can still be in the library, just put it where it belongs and yes a warning from someone or group that says a book has what some would consider inappropriate would be most welcome. Be it a watchdog or my best friend. On another note there were two parts to this story, if you follow the link it was showing about assaults in various libraries. I think that group focuses on both issues. And no I do not believe in censorship though I cringe at the absolute pornographic drivel which is passed today for literature. Truly jmo. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Melissa in St Louis Posted October 17, 2008 Author Share Posted October 17, 2008 In the OP I stated that my concerns were twofold: the material in the children's section AND the crimes that are taking place there. All I was trying to do was provide info to people that may still be of the thought process of "it's a library, 100% safe" mentality. I am not a confrontational person, and I should have thought more carefully about posting about this. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
phathui5 Posted October 17, 2008 Share Posted October 17, 2008 (edited) I wanted to recommend the book Protecting the Gift by Gavin DeBecker. It is the best book I've read about keeping children safe. I give it as a baby shower present now. http://www.amazon.com/Protecting-Gift-Keeping-Children-Teenagers/dp/0440509009/ref=pd_bbs_2?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1224202340&sr=8-2 Edited October 17, 2008 by phathui5 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jenny in Atl Posted October 17, 2008 Share Posted October 17, 2008 Feel safe.. Now in retail book stores, that's a whole other ball of wax. :D Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Crissy Posted October 17, 2008 Share Posted October 17, 2008 I was just really shocked at the books that are now in the CHILDREN's section, where you would think there wouldn't be sexual instruction manuals!:001_huh: I don't really think anyone is trying to "scare" anyone else. . I can assure you that there are no 'sexual instruction manuals' in the children's section of my county's libraries. I have a difficult time believing that any library puts such materials in the children's section. Do you have specific titles as examples of the books you are referring to? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ria Posted October 17, 2008 Share Posted October 17, 2008 (edited) Hmmm...here I was thinking that you were afraid of predators. Any parent who thinks that their kids are 100% safe in any public place is, IMO, crazy, but this doesn't mean you should lock them in the car, either. I don't think I know a soul who thinks that any public place, or a semi-public place (ie, one's own church) is totally safe. I'm not in favor of banning books. Period. That said, my public library system doesn't offer "sexual instruction manuals" to children. Does yours? Does it really? Can you give proof? Or are you just fearing for your kids because of something you read online? And what caring parent would not look at the books their kids checked out? Ria Edited October 17, 2008 by Ria Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sunshine Posted October 17, 2008 Share Posted October 17, 2008 I have patronized my public libraries my entire life. Although I never was fearful for my safety at any of them including the ones in my former high crime neighborhood, I used reasonable safety precautions same as I would in any other public place. Know who is behind Knowyourlibrary.org. They are associated with American Family Association's CAP (Citizens Against Pornography) although their website states they are unrelated organizations; google the news articles about the recent CAP activities in St Louis area. CAP is the group that pressured certain hotels to not offer sexually explicit movies. If they can convince parents that libraries are denizens of perverts, they are likely to accomplish their goal: the ability to determine which young adult books are sexually explicit and move them to an "adults only" section. http://www.southcountytimes.com/Articles-i-2008-08-22-79519.113117_Do_You_Know_What_Your_Teen_May_Be_Reading.html Excerpts: .. The group presented a petition bearing signatures of about 150 citizens. The petition calls on trustees to establish a seven-person "Adult Advisory Committee" to provide input and advice to the board "regarding the appropriateness of material for young readers." ... Others books singled out by Citizens Against Pornography for containing explicit sexual material include: "Alice On Her Way," by Phyllis Naylor; "Growing Up Gay In America" by Jason R. Rich, "The Little Black Book For Girls: A Book on Healthy Sexuality" by Youth For Youth; "Rainbow Boys" by Alex Sanchez; and "Making Sexual Decisions: The Ultimate Teenage Guide" by Kris Gowen. ... So what you are saying is that because CAP is affiliated with knowyourlibrary.com, everything they say should be suspect because they don't want youth to be able to see all the sexually explicit material available out there? I find that ridiculous. It is not a conspiracy to keep the little ones ignorant of the sexual act. Maybe those books were considered by some not so "enlightened and evolved" , as inappropriate for their 12 and `13 year old kids who would be looking in that section. If a teen is old enough to be questioning how to have sex safely, how other gay teens handled their coming out, and making sexual decisions, they should be old enough to go to the adult section. And those are not the target books of that group. The books with sexually explicit material are the ones that are the target. So, I resent your implication that it is an unreliable organization. They are intent on informing parents of what is going on in the world around their kids. Predators and pornography are not appropritate for any child. Sunshine "McCain freaks me out, but Obama makes me want to get an exorcist" Elizabeth Elensar Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Melissa in St Louis Posted October 17, 2008 Author Share Posted October 17, 2008 I'm not in favor of banning books. Period. That said, my public library system doesn't offer "sexual instruction manuals" to children. Does yours? Does it really? Can you give proof? Or are you just fearing for your kids because of something you read online? And what caring parent would not look at the books their kids checked out? Ria Yes, it really does. Please click on http://knowyourlibrary.org/Bookexcerpts.aspx and read a few of the passages. Especially the second book. Yes, I agree, what parent doesn't look at the books the kiddos check out.....something like "Growing up Gay in America" would sound an alarm to some parents. But, some of the other titles/covers look completely innocent. THAT is the point, that many parents do not know what is lurking in the children's area just waiting to be picked up and looked through, not necessarily checked out. I never said any of this should be out of the library, just out of the reach of an unassuming child too young to know better. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
phathui5 Posted October 17, 2008 Share Posted October 17, 2008 Wouldn't those books be in the "Young Adult" section anyway? Our library has a children's, a young adult and an adult section. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
HollyDay Posted October 17, 2008 Share Posted October 17, 2008 Yes, I do not feel safe at our local library. One of the reference librarians cautioned me just prior to school starting again to be very watchful of my dc. They said once school started up again in the fall and the ps kiddos were basically being dropped off there, the number of "strange men" would more than double. They said summer wasnt so bad - they thought due to the parents being present more. But, the school year is scary! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tibbyl Posted October 17, 2008 Share Posted October 17, 2008 Wouldn't those books be in the "Young Adult" section anyway? Our library has a children's, a young adult and an adult section. Yes, they are in young adult section. However, Citizens Against Pornography want to put warning labels on offending books or move them to adult section. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
phathui5 Posted October 17, 2008 Share Posted October 17, 2008 That's a tough call. I know that when I was a child and teen, if there had been a warning label, that would have been reason enough to read the book. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Parrothead Posted October 17, 2008 Share Posted October 17, 2008 Wouldn't those books be in the "Young Adult" section anyway? Our library has a children's, a young adult and an adult section. Our library doesn't have a young adult section. We've got V.C. Andrews' books in the same room as the Boxcar Children series. I'm not even sure why Andrews' books are in the children's section. As to the original question, I don't feel as safe letting dd roam the library as I once did. When we were in Montana the public library was one big room. Here the children's section is up stairs. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CactusPair Posted October 17, 2008 Share Posted October 17, 2008 I felt completely safe in libararies until I went to college. Then I realized what cavernous, spooky places they could really be. If someone wanted to do something bad,they easily could and probably never get caught. I am not paranoid in our town libarary, but I keep my kiddens with me at all times, just like anyplace else. I did this in our old big city libraries, and I do this in our small town library. I have read of children being assaulted at the library. There are probably adult victims, too. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mom2abcd Posted October 17, 2008 Share Posted October 17, 2008 Good grief. I was just trying to be helpful and share what I learned. :glare: Melissa in St Louis And I appreciate it very much. This board is changing and it often seems we are in the minority now. What a different world our kids are growing up! Thanks, Melissa in St Louis, for sharing your concerns. Our library has a little room for the little kids, but books for elementary aged kids are along the side of the room where the adult books are. I'm thankful for the reminder to keep a close eye on our kiddos.... and to remember to "check out" the books they want to check out. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
nmoira Posted October 17, 2008 Share Posted October 17, 2008 That's a tough call. I know that when I was a child and teen, if there had been a warning label, that would have been reason enough to read the book.Why do you think The Anarchist Cookbook is still in print, in spite of its myriad inaccuracies? :D Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mamagistra Posted October 17, 2008 Share Posted October 17, 2008 (edited) "Splash" was another film the decency crusaders objected to because it allegedly promoted bestiality. :smilielol5: :smilielol5: Edited October 17, 2008 by Mamagistra Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Crissy Posted October 17, 2008 Share Posted October 17, 2008 I never said any of this should be out of the library, just out of the reach of an unassuming child too young to know better. The link you gave specified that those books were available in the teen department. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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