Redwood City Public Library Director Pushes Back On Banning Books

REDWOOD CITY, CA — The Redwood City Public Library’s director issued a statement in the library’s latest newsletter Tuesday firmly standing against “the act of banning books,” as some states around the country have recently taken steps through legislation to remove certain books from schools and libraries.

“In recent months, the act of banning books has become alarmingly prevalent across the United States,” library director Derek Wolfgram said in the letter. “The books that have been challenged and banned are largely titles that explore historically marginalized populations. Censorship has no place in libraries and Redwood City Public Library welcomes all viewpoints in our collections.”

For instance, in Florida, a bill signed into law by Gov. Ron DeSantis last week requires school districts to allow parents a role in selecting instructional materials for their children — legislation that came on the heels of the passage of the so-called “Don’t Say Gay” bill that prevents public school districts from teaching kindergarten through third graders about sexual orientation and gender identity.

Related: New FL Law Will Result In Book Banning, Say Free Speech Advocates

No similar bills have been introduced in California so far, but regardless, Wolfgram made clear the Redwood City Public Library “welcomes all viewpoints in our collections.”

“Our readers have the right to choose what they read and we do everything to preserve this choice,” Wolfram said. “Censorship undermines the ability of individuals or communities to engage with multiple perspectives. The Library, on the other hand, celebrates the diversity of our community by providing materials and services that reflect and strengthen that diversity.”

Click here to view the full letter.