PWC Libraries Not Shy About Carrying Sexually Charged Novel

Officials with one Maryland library system decided the book, Fifty Shades of Grey is way too hot and steamy for their shelves, but the Prince William County Library System has no plans to follow suit and ban the book.

The best-selling series by E.L. James has a large following of fans, and has some foes too, because of its sexual language and subject matter.

The explicit storyline led to the Harford County Public Library System in Maryland not carrying the book, according to WJLA reports.

Jean Ross, materials manager for  Prince William County libraries, said the system does own the book because its patrons requested it through its suggestions for purchase system.

When the library system received one suggestion for Fifty Shades of Grey they didn’t immediately act, but when it received seven or eight requests for the book employees ordered it, she said.

“We would consider that high demand,” Ross said. “Now, I’m certain it is not for everyone; it is an adult book.”

Ultimately, the library system bases its decisions on what books to carry on what its patrons like.

Library employees determine a book’s popularity not only by how many purchase suggestions they receive, but on how many hold requests are submitted for a book, she said.

If a book isn’t in high demand then the library system simply doesn’t purchase it, she added.

To her knowledge of recent years, the library system has never elected to ban a book, Ross said.

“Some years ago, Madonna had a book with some unfortunate photos,” she said. “We watched and we didn’t get it because no one asked.”

The Prince William County System accepts title suggestions through a form on its website under the suggest a title page. The library can order books up to three months before publication.