Responsible Reading

Harry Potter first started becoming popular when I was in college.  Not one to care for fads I didn’t pay much attention to the books, or the hoopla they caused in the Christian community.  Then the librarian at my Christian college – a fine Christian woman – was talking about it one day.  She thought the books were fine, and the hoopla was uninformed and misdirected.  So I was curious and looked into it all.  What I’ve read on both sides of it brought me to this question: are the people vilifying the Harry Potter books paying as close attention to the other books their children read?  What about the music they listen to, movies they watch, computer media they use?  Do they really know what is available to their children at their schools, libraries, or online?

True, that’s easy for me to say since I’ve never had children at that age and don’t know how hard it is to keep track of that or get them to talk about it.  The truth of it is, we can’t monitor or dictate everything for our kids.  It seems that rather than putting our thoughts and energies into attacking popular media, we should put them into teaching our children responsibility.  Teach them responsible reading, viewing, listening, participating.  Teach them to think for themselves, decide what matters to them, and teach them to evaluate what they do in light of their beliefs.  Admittedly still difficult and involving hard work, but possible.

Novel concept, right?

Why I So Deeply Appreciate Libraries

Ever since I was little I have enjoyed checking out books from the library.  Thanks for that goes to my mom.  However, it wasn’t until I was an adult and had my own children that I’ve come to appreciate so many of the services my current library offers.

Having small children makes peacefully browsing bookshelves impossible.  Instead I am able to browse the entire collection of libraries in this county online at home.  Recommendations from librarians and patrons are offered through book lists.  Also, I can reserve items which I can then pick up at my convenience and check out in a few minutes time; children and all. 

Personally I’ve checked out everything from books, to movies, to cds, to audio books, to Museum Passes.  The Museum Pass is a joint venture with various local museums, zoos, and other activities.  Checking out a pass allows the user a certain number of free tickets and/or other benefits depending on the venue.  Other available materials are large print edition books, newspapers, magazines, and early reservations of incoming books.

At various times I’ve made use of copiers and computers.  The computers are available for internet needs but also for word processing and printing.  Personally I’m pleased with the quiet places with lovely views that encourage my writing.  The children’s areas I frequent with my girls are inviting with toys, puzzles, and interesting facts to look at; even I am entertained and educated. 

My children and I have tried out story times from months old and up as well as indoor play areas.  Other events we haven’t gotten to involve cultural awareness, author talks, writing workshops, tax information, and book clubs.

I will always be an advocate of reading books, therefore a supporter of libraries.  However to expect only books from a library any more is merely skimming the surface.  Libraries meet many more needs, for no fees, providing assistance, entertainment, and education.