Libraries Do Not Purchase, Stock or Supply Illegal “Obscene” Materials |
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MI Right to Read is an initiative of the Michigan Library Association (MLA) coordinated through the leadership of the Intellectual Freedom Task Force to protect the right to read in Michigan. Learn more at MIRightToRead.com.
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It is the responsibility of public libraries to guarantee and facilitate access to all expressions of knowledge and intellectual activity, including those which some individuals in our society may consider to be unconventional, unpopular, or unacceptable. As legislation here in Michigan and around the country attempts to ban books and criminalize our library workers, it is critical to know that LIBRARIES DO NOT HAVE OBSCENE MATERIALS ON THEIR SHELVES. It is also equally important to understand why reading a single paragraph or page out of context at a library board meeting is so misleading.
Obscenity is determined by the court of law. Federal law prohibits the possession with intent to sell or distribute obscenity, to send, ship, or receive obscenity, to import obscenity, and to transport obscenity across state borders for purposes of distribution (18 U.S.C.) Therefore, libraries cannot purchase obscenity on the open market and thus cannot have it on their shelves.
The Miller Test is the primary legal test for determining whether expression constitutes obscenity. As per the Supreme Court, materials MUST PASS ALL 3 PRONGS of the Miller Test. They are:
- whether the average person applying contemporary community standards would find the work, taken as a whole, appeals to the prurient interest;
- whether the work depicts or describes, in a patently offensive way, sexual conduct specifically defined by the applicable state law; and
- whether the work, taken as a whole, lacks serious literary, artistic, political or scientific value.
Because publishers cannot sell obscene materials to anyone (including libraries), we guarantee that there are ZERO obscene books on the shelves of Michigan public libraries.
When a book gets challenged or banned, someone is trying to decide what is best for everyone based on their own beliefs and feelings. Many books offer new perspectives and insights from people with life experiences different from our own. Many books currently being targeted are those written by and about traditionally marginalized people and experiences including LGBTQIA+, BIPOC and women. Banning children from being able to see different cultures, same-sex couples, and languages in books, closes their world off, sending a clear message that certain ideas are not acceptable in society.
Intellectual freedom is a core value of the library profession and a basic right in our democratic society. Our goal is to protect Michiganders’ right to read, oppose attempts to ban books from Michigan libraries, educate the public about the right to read, oppose any legislation that infringes upon Michigan citizens’ First Amendment rights and ensure that librarians across Michigan will be entrusted to continue to do their jobs and serve the needs of ALL individuals and communities. We believe that while a specific book may not be the right fit for one person, it may still be the perfect fit for another. Public libraries do not take on the role of a parent, and it is a parent’s responsibility to decide what materials they will allow their own children to read. No one individual or group should make sweeping decisions that take that process of careful consideration away from the experts (librarians) and that choice away from readers.
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Resources for Michigan Libraries. |
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Resources for library staff, educators, and board members.
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Tips and templates for promoting intellectual freedom in your community.
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Request support as you take action to protect First Amendment rights.
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Build the Coalition.
There is strength in numbers. If you have not done so already, please invite friends, family, and colleagues to join the MI Right to Read coalition and be fully prepared to defend First Amendment rights.
Write a Letter.
We encourage you to write a letter to your local media and let them know how much you value your library and librarians. Remember to keep your letter short, personal, positive, and proactive, and take a firm stance on protecting the right to read.
Be an Ally.
Right now is a difficult time to work in libraries. Let library workers know they have support in their community. It only takes a quick phone call, email, or thank you note to encourage and support library workers who are dealing with misinformation and personal attacks. Thank them for their work, ask if they need help, and share your contact information so they know they can call on you.
There are very real consequences of misinformation and political rhetoric about library collections. Stay informed about local issues and threats to ban books in your library. Do your part to keep your community informed by sharing information about intellectual freedom and the right to read.
What is intellectual freedom? What's the difference between a material ban and a challenge? What does this have to do with the First Amendment? Read the MI Right to Read Intellectual Freedom Fact Sheet for answers to FAQs and get informed so you're ready to protect every Michigander's right to read!
Post on Social.
Donate.
MI Right to Read provides educational resources and support for librarians and library boards across the state to stop misinformation campaigns and protect the right to read for all Michiganders. Donations of any amount are welcome to the MLA Advocacy Resource Fund to help support this work.
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Stay engaged in the conversation. Recent news stories concerning intellectual freedom and the right to read in Michigan are published below.
MI Right to Read will continue to speak up and out against the infringement of First Amendment rights and intellectual freedom. What can you do to help? If you see or hear a story in your local media, please share the link with us. If you are a reporter, we are also available to do interviews to provide a statewide perspective. Report and call out misinformation and propaganda about library collections when you see them. Use your voice to clarify the issues and support intellectual freedom and the right to read.
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Michigan libraries don't stock 'obscene' books GOP rep's ...
Public libraries would have to keep books deemed obscene in a separate part of their facilities, accessible only by those aged 18 and older, under legislation introduced in early March in the House. House Bill 4136, sponsored by Rep.
Read more
www.mlive.com
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Defunded over book controversy, West Michigan library...
OTTAWA COUNTY, MI - Elected leaders with the embattled Patmos Library are eying policy changes to how the library's books are selected. Few details have been shared by the library board about the work, but it comes after Jamestown Township voters ...
Read more
www.mlive.com
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Parent brings debate over school library materials to...
A Macomb County parent attended the Clinton Township Board of Trustees meeting Monday night to alert township officials about an ongoing battle she and others are having over sexually explicit language or images in local schools.
Read more
www.macombdaily.com
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Lapeer District Library reschedules overflowed board meeting
LAPEER, MI - A Lapeer District Library board meeting where so many people showed up that a new location had to be sought out has been rescheduled. The Lapeer District Library board will meet at 5:30 p.m. on Thursday, March 16 at the Lapeer Center ...
Read more
www.mlive.com
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Lansing bill would close a library indefinitely for...
A Michigan House bill was introduced Wednesday, Feb. 22 that would close a library indefinitely if they were found to be carrying explicit books that children or teens could access. The first part of the bill, HB 4136 from State Rep. Neil Friske...
Read more
radio.wcmu.org
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Defunded over book controversy, West Michigan library...
OTTAWA COUNTY, MI - Elected leaders with the embattled Patmos Library are considering asking voters a third time if they'll help keep the library's doors open. Jamestown Township voters last year shot down two separate millage proposals - one...
Read more
www.mlive.com
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Brandywine School Board votes to halt new inventory of books
No new books will be coming into the Brandywine Middle and High School library anytime soon. The Brandywine School Board voted to halt all new inventory of book
Read more
wsbt.com
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After book banned, Portage school librarians discuss...
PORTAGE, MI - A lot of work goes into choosing which books are - and aren't - on the shelves at Portage Public Schools. The librarians take suggestions from students and staff, monitor award lists, read reviews and figure out the best way to use...
Read more
www.mlive.com
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Michigan's Queer Librarians Speak Out on Book Bans, the...
Reciting prose from the pages of Penthouse magazine at a school board meeting is an unconventional way to make a point. But lately, caregivers and community members in Michigan are going to great lengths to express displeasure over queer content...
Read more
pridesource.com
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A Michigan school group's push to label LGBTQ discussion ...
Known as the Great Schools Initiative, the group is looking to lump hanging a pride flag in the classroom and acceptance of transgender people under the same umbrella as sex education. And they want to opt their children out of it.
Read more
www.mlive.com
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