Reader Supports Library Policy

Dear Editor,

I am a Noblesville resident, and I would like to respond to the issues raised against the new Collection Development Policy at HEPL, namely those claims that state the policy encourages book banning and the endangerment of children.

I have seen firsthand the contents of the books in question.  This has been a topic since December 2021 when members of the Fishers / Noblesville community raised concerns with the board over books they felt were totally inappropriate for children.

Parents were finding books such as It’s Perfectly Normal with graphic pictures and text describing sexual acts that were accessible to children as young as 5 years old.  To view portions of this book, click here Its Perfectly Normal 5th edition.pdf (booklooks.org).

Another example: an 11-year-old would have access to a book called Let’s Talk About It:  The Teen’s Guide to Sex, Relationships and Being a Human.  This book contains pictures and graphic descriptions of anal sex, oral sex, masturbation, and hooking up with strangers online.  Wait, what?   HOOKING UP WITH STRANGERS ONLINE!  You heard and read that right.  Here is the endangerment of children.  See here:  Let’s Talk About It.pdf (booklooks.org).

Many and possibly most parents don’t want their children exposed to this type of content at such young ages.  Exposing children to viewing sexual activities beyond their stage of development is considered a form of child sexual abuse according to many health experts and mental health clinicians (Carr, 2000, CDC, 2022) and can lead to many psychological and emotional issues later in life, including sexual orientation and identity issues (Davis & Petra-Jackson, 2000).  Here also is the endangerment of children.

Under the new Collection Development policy, these types of books will be moved to a section of the library where parents will have full access to check them out and share with their children as they wish.  They are not being banned . . . simply moved to an area where parental involvement is required for children to access them.  Parental rights on both sides of this issue will be protected.

This is common sense.  We accept guidelines and age restrictions for many things . . . movies, driving, purchasing cigarettes, purchasing Playboy magazines.  This is not rocket science.  I fully support this policy and believe there is good reason for moving these books.  If you agree and wish to voice your support, please contact noblesvilleunited@ariseamerica.today.

Alison Hanley

Noblesville