Controversial Books: A Library Catalog Comparison

, as .

In that vein, a list of the 10 most challenged library books of 2011 has been released by the American Library Association, and both libraries that serve Saucon Valley residents carry at least seven of them (several of which are series).

A search of the  library catalog, which is accessible via its website, indicates that seven of the most controversial titles are currently in circulation there. A search of Bethlehem Area Public Library's catalog on its website indicates that nine of the 10 most-challenged books can be found on its shelves.

Both libraries want to serve Lower Saucon Township residents, however, the than .

has maintained an annual contract for library services with the BAPL since 1979, but , and could recommend a change in allegiance.

At stake with that allegiance is the .

in the cafeteria.

The ALA's list of the most-challenged books of 2011 is as follows:

1. ttyl; ttfn; l8r, g8r (series) by Lauren Myracle **

2. The Color of Earth (series) by Kim Dong Hwa

3. The Hunger Games (trilogy) by Suzanne Collins **

4. My Mom’s Having A Baby! A Kid’s Month-by-Month Guide to Pregnancy by Dori Hillestad Butler *

5. The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian by Sherman Alexie **

6. Alice (series) by Phyllis Reynolds Naylor **

7. Brave New World by Aldous Huxley **

8. What My Mother Doesn’t Know by Sonya Sones *

9. Gossip Girl (series) by Cecily Von Ziegesar **

10. To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee **

BOLD: Not available at either library.

* Available only at the Bethlehem Area Public Library

** Available at both the Hellertown Area Library and the Bethlehem Area Public Library