[CPProt.net] Lawmaker wants libraries to remove some children's books

[Museum Security Network / Cultural Property Protection Net (Ton Cremers)]

Lawmaker wants libraries to remove some children's books 
May 21, 2005
By BRETT TROXLER

2theadvocate.com staff
>From a report by WBRZ's Marvin McGraw marvin at wbrz.com 

A state lawmaker has filed a resolution calling for the removal of books
with "age inappropriate" material from the children's section of libraries.
The move by Rep. A.G. Crowe was prompted by a children's picture book, 'King
and King,' which is a story about a queen mother who tries to introduce her
son to potential princesses, but the prince instead prefers one of the
women's brothers.

"It only goes through to the two kings meeting, and they get married. Then
it ends," said Pabby Arnold of the East Baton Rouge Parish Library.

The book was pulled from the shelves when a parent complained. That
complaint also prompted Crowe's resolution, which has drawn fire from the
ACLU.

"Every library in the country has a due process procedure about which a
citizen can complain about a book, about the placement of a book," said Al
Shapiro of the ACLU.

A spokesman for EBR libraries defended the book, saying it's the libraries
responsibility to have children's books that reflect all lifestyles and
points of view.

As reported May 20 on WBRZ's 6 p.m. broadcast. If you have information or
comments related to this story, e-mail them to news at wbrz.com.