“Is it the person who says that the Bible shouldn't be offered? Is it the person that says Harry Potter, because of its witchcraft and magic, should not be allowed in our library? Where does it stop? And who decides that line?,” Kreidler continued.

Lantana Public Library director Kristine Kreidler Kreidler worries there isn’t broad consensus among parents as to who sets the boundaries for widespread book censorship. This polarizing movement already has many teachers and public librarians wondering what is deemed as an appropriate text. Most threats to ban multiple book titles, defund libraries, and politicize library boards are coming from ' organized censorship groups,' according to the American Library Association. She believes most public librarians are scared to publicly express their growing concerns because librarians “don't want to poke their head out for fear that it will draw attraction to their library,” Kreidler said.

Kreidler says it's stressful for local public librarians who are “dedicated to the freedom of information and no censorship and intellectual freedom” and want to speak up. They are community institutions that are noble, or at least that was the view,” she added. “Libraries have always received support from both sides of the political aisle, from Republicans and Democrats and everyone in between. She standing near the entrance, next to a surfing exhibit. Kristine Kreidler is the director of the Lantana Public Library in the Town of Lantana. Lantana Public Library director Kristine Kreidler told WLRN this threat is a topic she no longer wants to be silent about.įor Kreidler, banning books goes against 'ethics and our principles for intellectual freedom and access to information, no matter what it is.' Now, as new data shows that public libraries are the target of 41% of the skyrocketing number of books censored in the U.S., many are worried it could get even worse if the state's politics come into play - specifically for teens who view the public library as a safe haven from book banning. Ron DeSantis and the Republican legislature, including the so-called 'Don't Say Gay' law, has led public school libraries to reevaluate references to racism, sexism and oppression that, if banned, could undermine lessons surrounding many of the darkest parts of US history.Īccording to PEN America, a non-profit human rights and literary organization, Florida has the second highest number of school book bans in the country, trailing Texas. A public library director in Palm Beach County worries that libraries outside of the district's school system may become the next target of conservative movements seeking to ban books deemed inappropriate for children.Ī wave of restrictive education laws in Florida championed by Gov.

Book dread nation