Library Information

A few weeks ago, I mentioned that I was asking questions about several topics, one of them was regarding our school libraries and book choices. I know several parents have concerns about these books because, as a parent also, we don’t know what books our children are exposed to at school. When my oldest son was in kindergarten 15 years ago, I’ll admit that I didn’t really think about the library books. I had full trust in the choices that the school staff had made. However, today’s culture and views are different, and it seems we see more evidence of books available to our children that most parents I know are concerned about. This week I watched a recording of an 11 year old boy reading to his district’s school board from a book that was on a special display at his middle school library. He read aloud the sex acts between 2 boys. At the end of the reading, he mentioned that the librarian asked him if he also wanted the graphic novel of the same book. This is shocking to me, but also not completely surprising. My first thought is just to question the reality and truth of it. Then I wonder, who ARE these adults and educators that believe books like these should be in public schools (or even the public library, maybe just at the Lion’s Den!) Because of these stories, parents are feeling worried, frustrated, and angry, especially because it’s just not realistic for parents to review ALL curriculum and library books, in all schools, for all of our children. We are left having to trust the adults in the schools, the adults that we don’t know, and that we don’t know their values and morals. Many are left asking, can we trust, and at the same time have no choice but to trust.

Listed below is information that I was able to search and summarize to help others understand the processes involved in book selection for our schools. This information can be found on the Owatonna School District website. Superintendent Jeff Elstad and Assistant Superintendent Michelle Krell are available for discussion if you have concerns about books or resource materials in your child’s school.

Material Selection

Each media center selects materials and resources that support, enrich, and help implement the educational philosophy of the Owatonna Public School District.  Considerations are based on recommendations from faculty, staff, students, reviews in reputable media (School Library Journal, Booklist, Library Journal, Common Sense Media, Junior Library Guild, etc.), material previews from vendors and publishers, and subject knowledge and expertise of the District Media Specialist.  Selection of materials and resources is based on the evaluation of the existing collection, curriculum requirements, and the diverse needs of students and staff.   

Challenged Materials 

All questions regarding suitability or appropriateness of the content of library materials or resources should be directed to the District Media Specialist.  Initial complaints will be informally addressed by the Media Specialist.  Steps taken will include:

In the event that the complainant is not satisfied with the informal explanation, the complainant will be referred to Policy 606 in which case the challenger will complete the Request for Re-evaluation form and submit it to the Director of Teaching and Learning.  The request will go in front of a committee for review and a final decision will be made. 

This is the link so that you can search each school’s library catalog for specific books.: https://owatonna.follettdestiny.com/common/welcome.jsp?context=saas042_2260150

This is the link to the district website Media Specialists page with contact information for each media specialist. https://www.isd761.org/district-services/teaching-learning/media-services

After reading about a parent’s concern regarding a certain book (outside of our district), I decided to see if this book was in Owatonna school libraries. Interestingly, it was in the middle school library, but not the high school library. Because this book is recommended only for older teens and adults, I was able to connect with the district media specialist and the book will now be available at the high school only. Using the links above, I was able to research the book and find out how to address my concerns. If you are wondering, this is the book: https://www.commonsensemedia.org/book-reviews/extremely-loud-and-incredibly-close.

Hope this helps. Please be in touch with questions or concerns. Take care friends.