Letter To The Editor: Find A Better Place For 'Let's Talk About It...'

To the Editor:

As a parent to school-aged children in Fairfield, I was concerned when I heard news of a Library Board of Trustees meeting to “discuss challenges made to a book” in circulation in the Teen room of the public library in town (Let’s Talk About It by Erika Moen). The book is in graphic novel form and styles itself as a teen’s guide to sex and relationships. It is written by a freelance cartoonist who has no professional experience in child development or psychology. The recommended age reference is 14-17 years of age. I verified with the Fairfield Public Library that even though the book is shelved in the Teen room, anyone of any age is able to check it out.

For those that have read the book, most will agree that the content and graphics are not suitable for all age groups - specifically those 13 and under. It is no surprise that many parents and residents in town would like the book to be placed in a more age-appropriate section of the library where teens and young adults may still access it. Yet what should have been an opportunity for civil discourse quickly turned into political debate on book banning and restricting individual freedoms.

Those concerned about underage consumption of the book’s contents have not suggested removing the book, but are asking our dedicated librarians and volunteer library board to work collaboratively to find a more age-appropriate place for it on the shelf. Upon hearing of the meeting, State Rep. Leeper took to social media to warn constituents that “book banning attempts have arrived here in Fairfield” - even though she admitted she had not even read the book yet. Nor does her office give her any decision-making power in this instance at all. Most troubling, when one of her supporters referred to those in favor of placing age restrictions on the book as domestic terrorists, our current State Rep. liked the comment on her official state page.

Here was a real opportunity for an elected official to listen to all sides of the argument, especially a subject that affects our children. Instead she chose to participate in political theatrics in the national debate over book banning, which has no bearing on the discussion herein Fairfield.

I trust our librarian officials to get this right with a common sense consensus approach that balances protections for our children and intellectual freedom. We need elected officials that will work to bring us together, not further divide us.

Regards,
Charley Goldstein
Fairfield, CT