HARDWICK – It is fundamental to our mission as booksellers that every person has access to the books they want to read. This month, Banned Books Week, October 5 to 11, is a national reminder that this is a freedom that needs to be protected.
You might come into our store, look around, and say, “Well, you don’t have the books that I’m looking for. Does that mean you banned them?” The answer is, simply, no.
We have a small store, with limited shelf space. We aren’t able to carry every book in print. No store can do that. We make decisions about what to carry based on our understanding of our customers and our own likes and dislikes. However, we are willing to order what we don’t have on hand. We don’t have to like the books that you like – and vice versa. We don’t have to agree about the content of the books we read. It does not matter.
If you come to us and ask for a title that we have the ability to order, we will get it for you.
Additionally, we do not pass judgment on anyone for what they choose to read, and we don’t disclose our customers’ reading choices to anyone. Our commitment to both your freedom to read and your privacy are paramount. It is among the first things we cover when we hire new booksellers. We are proud to stand against censorship and for the freedom of speech.
The work to protect free speech through books is supported by a number of wonderful organizations, including the American Booksellers Association, the American Library Association, BannedBooksWeek.org, PEN America, the National Coalition Against Censorship, and the American Booksellers Foundation for Free Expression. All of these sites have great resources for anyone interested in taking action against book bans.
Here are a few very simple actions you can take, during Banned Books Week or anytime throughout the year: Read banned books. Form your own opinions about them. Find out what ideas they are challenging that might have led to banning attempts. Share them with others.
Support an author whose work is facing challenges and bans. Send them a postcard.
Support public libraries. We are very lucky to be surrounded by excellent libraries where we live. They are one of our most valuable resources.
Stay informed and share what you learn.
Most of all, stay curious. Book bans are meant to stifle curiosity and learning. They work to narrow the scope of our perspective. Reading opens doors into other ways of thinking and being; it increases our understanding and empathy; and it connects us with others across time and space. Access to all this is worth protecting.
Sandy Scott is co-owner of the Galaxy Bookshop, Hardwick
