We have talked a lot about libraries and communities that are banning books, in defiance of any common sense or reason. So today I am so happy to share the work of one library that took some time to think through this foolishness, and to make a better decision.

Check out this article excerpt, and you can read the whole thing here.

“Nearly a month after a resident group sought to ban or restrict books at Wellington’s public library, the town’s governing board voted in favor of a resolution that prevents the board from restricting access to materials at the library…

An overwhelming majority of residents who packed the community board room Tuesday made public comments to the board in favor of the resolution that effectively bans any book ban at the library.

“Kids deserve a place to go to explore and learn,” said Dylan Delehoy, a Wellington resident. Delehoy opened his comments saying the need for the resolution “paints a sad picture of our town.”

One of Wellington’s younger residents also chose to address the board. 

“Not to be rude, but you can’t tell me what I can and can’t read,” Sienna Zadina said. 

Comments from both residents and trustees expressed a desire for the town to find common ground. 

“We need to get together and do what’s best for this community,” said John Hunter, another Wellington resident. Hunter called the resolution a good step forward for the community. “We can find a way to come through this.” 

Several comments elicited tears from the audience and trustees as two residents shared powerful personal testimonies of surviving suicide attempts and sexual abuse because public libraries gave them access to books that made them feel understood and less alone. 

After a little more than an hour of public comments, the board took a five-minute recess before making their own comments and voting on the resolution. 

Mayor pro-tem Ashley Macdonald thanked residents who “had the courage to share their survivor stories today. I do not have the courage to share my survivor story today, but if it wasn’t for the public library,” Macdonald paused and choked back tears before continuing her comments. “I didn’t get my education from pornography.” 

Dailey also spoke to the decision to refer to the books as pornography.

“To allege that (library) staff are providing pornography to children, it’s obviously not true, it’s disgusting,” Dailey said. 

“This isn’t about left or right, this is about parenting,” Macdonald said. “I don’t want anyone in this room telling me how to parent my child and I won’t tell you how to parent yours.”…

The official resolution the town board passed Tuesday night defines the Wellington Public Library’s mission “to serve and reflect every member of our community in an enlightened, democratic, and unified approach.”

It also stipulates the board cannot “censor, suppress, remove, monitor or place age restrictions on ideas or information in our public library.”…

“The vision of the Wellington Public Library is to promote curiosity, knowledge and exploration while fostering a safe and inclusive place for our community,” said RossLaGenèse, Wellington Public Library’s director, in a statement emailed to the Coloradoan. “The library is grateful for the support from our Mayor, Board of Trustees, and community to continue the library’s mission of providing access for all.” “

You can read the rest of this article here, for all the details!