Should Libraries in Canada Remove from Their Shelves Books That Some Patrons Find offensive?

Should Libraries in Canada remove from their shelves books that some patrons find offensive?

Books are a vital part of our society. They are essential in providing knowledge

and information for everyone. All books do not provide the same meaning to each

individual who reads it. Many readers may not even interpret the book the way the

author meant it to be interpreted. Each reader brings with them a personal history with

different morals and values; therefore they would interpret what the author is saying in a

different way. Some readers may find the contents of the book to be objectionable or

offensive because it attacks a basic belief or a way of life they are emotionally attached

to. They may attempt to have that book censored for that reason. However, just because

some people may find a book to be offensive rather than informative; dangerous rather

than valuable or deserving of suppression rather than distribution does not mean that the

book should be banned so that nobody would be able to experience it.

There are very different interpretations of the meaning of offensive when it comes

to books. What is offensive to one person may be very informative to many others. For

example, people who support the government may be easily offended by books or pieces

of writing that heavily criticize the government, even though those criticisms may be

true. Censors may attempt to have these books banned because it undermines their

government. Does this mean that libraries in Canada should ban these books? Harry

Potter novels written by JK Rowling are enjoyed and praised by adults and children all

over the world. Christian parents find the Harry Potter series of novels to be offensive

because the books involve themes that include sorcery, witchcraft and death. Does this

mean that libraries in Canada should remove all Harry Potter books from their shelves?

No, these books should not be banned just because certain patrons of the library find

them to be offensive. Many people still enjoy these books and find them very enjoyable,

useful and full of knowledge.

People who are attempting to suppress these artistic, educational or

literary works are trying to control what information is available to the public because the

books contain information that they find contrary to their beliefs or damaging to their

beliefs. In Canada we have intellectual freedom. The Canadian Libraries Association

defines intellectual freedom as “the right to read, view, hear, express and discuss any idea

on any subject. Libraries are committed to satisfying the interests and needs of

individuals of varied backgrounds and differing political beliefs.” The Canadian Libraries

Association also says that “Intellectual freedom is an essential part of democracy. To

make informed decisions, people need free access to information from many

perspectives. Censorship weakens democracy.” If a certain book was banned because

some patrons of the library found it offensive, it would violate our rights to intellectual

freedom and take away from democracy. Allowing books to be banned because some

people find it offensive would set the stage for attacks on any form of expression that is