Thoughts On Books In Schools, Literacy

Dec. 18, 2023 Editor, The News-Gazette: Weeks of public commentary and controversy about certain books in middle school libraries has brought me to several conclusions about both sides of the debate.

Books defined as suitable for “young adults” in middle school are a misnomer since 10 to 13-yearolds are not legally considered young adults; they are children. Support of age-appropriate books in school libraries is not book banning since the books can be acquired in a public library. Beware of social policies that propose to protect an individual from an uncomfortable situation because eventually those policies will affect the freedoms of others.

There is an option for a cease fire between the opposing combatants. The large turnout at the Lexington School Board meeting indicates that people have the time and energy to advocate for books. Both sides are obviously aware of the value of literacy. The Youth Literacy Program partners with Rockbridge County and Lexington schools to help struggling readers in K-5 strengthen their reading skills. Volunteers are needed to tutor one hour per week at the school either during school hours or after. Be a solution, contact Lenna Ojure at Rockbridge Regional Library at [email protected]. ANNE RUSEK Natural Bridge