Timberland Library System Dives Into the Literary Dumpster
To the editor:
Should tax dollars be used for titillation? In an editorial from The Olympian carried in The Chronicle on June 23, both newspapers supported the local Timberland library system purchasing 34 copies of “Fifty Shades of Grey,” a novel of sadomasochism and bondage. Declaring that libraries “used to be the gatekeepers for upholding community standards ... But that’s not the case any longer,” and that “The gate is gone,” you declared that “libraries exist to serve the public.”
I agree that in an age where books are in every supermarket, Walmart and available online with the click of a mouse, libraries are no longer gatekeepers. However, that fact does not mean they should plumb the depths of trashy literature in a salacious effort to bring people in the library doors. Also, while they should serve the public, tax dollars and shelf space are limited so, the real question is, what is the best way for them to serve?
Some libraries justified their decision not to buy “Fifty Shades of Grey” with statements such as, “We don’t buy pornography for the library.” Libraries are taxpayer-supported institutions and, while they cannot be gatekeepers, to justify the viewing of online porn and providing trashy novels as part of their “service,” they appear to be seeking the lowest standard they can rationalize.
In today’s digital age, as the editorial correctly points, “everyone is just one click away from unlimited access to almost anything you can imagine — and a few things you probably can’t.” So, in this modern era, do we still need taxpayer supported libraries? Are they worth the many millions spent on them?
The role of the local library is changing, but it can still be an excellent resource. Local retail outlets focus on current popular fiction. Libraries have the classics, local history and interest, magazines and newspapers.
Also, without diving into the literary dumpster, they can provide a boarder range of current fiction and non-fiction than is often available for local purchase. In those ways, and more, they can still provide valuable service to their communities.
However, libraries will lose broad community and taxpayer support if providing erotic stimulation to those who cannot or will not buy it for themselves is seen as the justification for their existence.
Kyle Pratt
Chehalis
Rotary Foundation Praised for Gift of Young Explorer Subscriptions
To the editor:
On behalf of the Centralia and Chehalis Timberland libraries we are so pleased to hear that the Lewis County Rotary Foundation donated such a wonderful gift to the kindergartners and first graders of Lewis County — their own subscriptions to National Geographic Young Explorer, a classroom magazine for their age group.
Literacy and curiosity are natural partners as children explore and learn about the wide world around them. As they grow, they can make use of the National Geographic and other magazines at the public library to continue their adventures in learning. We applaud the Rotary Foundation for this generous gift to the children.
Corine Aiken
Chehalis Timberland Library manager
Selina Gomez-Beloz
Centralia Timberland Library manager
Article About Cheesemakers Had Old Photos, Outdated Information
To the editor:
Reading the article in the Tuesday, June 12, Chronicle, I was impressed with the diversity for the community in which I live. The article on our local cheesemakers reminded me of how both extraordinary and talented this group of agricultural entrepreneurs is. Each of these cheese companies is outstanding in representing Lewis County.
Given all that this small group of cheesemakers and businesses do to shine a huge light on our county, I believe it is the responsibility of our local newspaper to represent them in an equally positive and accurate light.
It was distasteful and disrespectful of The Chronicle to run outdated photos and incorrect information on these cheesemaker companies. Their information and photographs should have been updated prior to the article being published.
The accuracy of the article is especially important during the busiest time of year when local folks are interested in visiting their farms, purchasing their products and learning about their business stories.
My hope is that in the future The Chronicle will make sure to have correct information so that all parties benefit from the public relations offered through our “local newspaper.”
Regina Corrigan King
Centralia
