Viewpoint: A Libertarian perspective on library debate
In recent weeks, our St. Joseph County community has been embroiled in a passionate debate over certain children's books in our public library. One group of local activists argue for the inclusion of potentially explicit content, while vocal opponents, including County Council member Amy Drake, raise concerns about obscenity in the teen section. Their request is to move this book to an adult section and out of the hands of young children. Nominally this book is placed in the teen section, but is also near such popular works as Peppa Pig.
Caught in the middle is the public library board, which maintains that these books meet established criteria for inclusion and decline to police who accesses them. As libertarians, we find ourselves navigating a complex landscape where freedom of expression and child safety must coexist.
Libertarianism holds the principle that individuals should enjoy personal autonomy, provided their choices do not infringe upon the rights and freedoms of others. This principle extends to our public libraries, which should reflect the diverse interests and beliefs of our community. Libraries serve as repositories of knowledge and diverse perspectives, even those that challenge prevailing norms.
The corollary to this libertarian principle is that this personal freedom shall not do harm to others. The common ground for agreement is that we all seek to protect our children from harm. Drake's view of the issue is that exposure to this book can be considered obscene and that unsupervised access without proper context by children is considered harmful. The opposition counters by saying that withholding this book is harmful. The confusion is that some members of both groups argue for handing over of parental duties to workers that may or may not agree with their views. The library’s responsibility is not what is palatable to your opinion, but if the book falls within the legal guidelines of what is considered obscene.
It's important to note that libraries are not in the business of moral judgment or acting as de facto babysitters. We agree across political lines that public institutions should not be tasked with dictating a single set of values for our community. The fear of one political ideology forcing and indoctrinating their view on others is a real one. This is why libraries should instead offer a wide range of materials for individuals to explore.
However, concerns raised by council member Drake and others regarding explicit material in the children's section deserve consideration. It's critical to clarify that not all or even a significant percentage of Republicans or conservatives seek to ban books, as they have been accused of. Such allegations only serve to polarize the debate. Their stated goal is to move the placement of this book.
Additionally, it's worth noting that Democrats and liberals do not universally seek to groom children into being sexual victims, as some conservatives oversimplify. This mischaracterization only hinders constructive dialogue.
The argument that librarians, due to their education, should supervise children's reading habits raises valid concerns. While librarians are knowledgeable professionals, we should not assume they align with every parent's beliefs. Just as we wouldn't entrust our children to random adults on the street, we should not blindly rely on anyone based solely on their profession or education.
The core issue is personal responsibility. Parents and guardians should actively guide their children's reading choices, using libraries as resources to assist, rather than replace, their role as supervisors. Libraries can offer tools and resources for parents to monitor their children's activities, but they should not take on the role of guardians.
Attempting to impose our views on everyone in our community or demanding compliance with a singular ideology fosters divisiveness and stifles the rich diversity of perspectives that make our society vibrant. Let us instead foster a culture of mutual respect, where individuals with different values are seen as people, not adversaries.
The St. Joseph County library book controversy underscores the need to balance individual freedom and responsibility. As libertarians, we emphasize the preservation of freedom of expression while recognizing the importance of safeguarding our children from inappropriate content. Let us reject misleading accusations and focus on constructive dialogue, informed parenting, and personal responsibility. By doing so, we uphold the principles of a free and open society while respecting the rights and values of all members of our community.
Timothy E. Cotton is the county chair for the St Joseph Libertarian Party. You can find out more about the St Joseph affiliate and other District 2 counties by visiting https://lpind2.org/stjoseph
This article originally appeared on South Bend Tribune: Balance freedom and responsibility in St. Joe County Library book flap
