Vogel Library Events

Inappropriate Sexual Content

Many challenges cite "inappropriate sexual content" as the primary concern. We want to protect our children! But who decides what is appropriate? Are library shelves littered with indecent books?

• Who decides what is appropriate and what is inappropriate? Who decides what is age-appropriate?

• Is there value in sharing stories with realistic depictions of sexuality?

• Does the content challenged in books also meet challenges in movies, television, and music? 

• Does censoring text with sexual content stand in opposition with the 1st Amendment?

• Who could be hurt by including these texts? Is anyone hurt by omitting them?

Offensive Language

Does the "Nice words or no words" rule go too far when it comes to books? We will discuss the power of words as we share our thoughts about books that have been challenged due to offensive language. An intentionally vague descriptor, offensive language may be profanity, crude or vulgar language, pejorative slurs...

• Is there a time and place for this language?
• Who decides what language is offensive?
• Does censoring text with offensive language stand in opposition with the 1st Amendment?
• Who could be hurt by including offensive language? Is anyone hurt by omitting it?