Forcing blinders on a child teaches them nothing. The fact that these two are even taken seriously is the real problem here. We have a lot of real problems to solve in this world, and any moment of attention given to this issue is a true waste of time.

The problem is that it’s very contentious, legally and subjectively, what constitutes “harm” to a minor. What is pornographic to some is artistic to others, for example. And, some 12 and 13 year-olds are more mature than others. Moving and re-labeling books that some consider offensive may be the best compromise possible. But this is still a restriction of young people’s access to information, and that is not ideal.

We’re interested in hearing more voices engaging this topic and hope the conversation continues here and elsewhere.

No one is trying to ban books. Our intent is responsibility. There are laws in every state aimed at protecting minors. They’re known as “Harmful to Minors” statutes and clearly state the parameters society must adhere to in regard to our youth. Many books marketed to the YA audience violate these statutes. While it’s an author’s right to write whatever they choose, it’s not their right to dispense it to whomever they choose. There are limits.

Age limits, and they apply to many things we do. From driving a car, to drinking alcohol, to serving in the military, including the right to vote, we as a society have deemed certain ages to be appropriate and inappropriate for particular activities. Sexual conduct is one of them. Some states have ascertained 18 as the appropriate age, others 16, but in NO state is it 12 years of age.

Which brings us to the issue at hand. You want your kids to read these books, then let them. You want your local library to make them available to your child, so be it. They’re your tax dollars, too. But don’t tell me it’s a child’s right to read whatever they choose, because it’s not, unless of course, you want to do away with the current laws in your state. If so, I say, more power to you. Engage in the process, take action, but until then, the laws stand. Laws we are ALL required to follow.

No one is asking for the books to be removed from the library, despite claims from the opposition. No one is asking to circumvent your authority as a parent. What we are asking for is compromise. The books stay in the library, but are categorized according to content. This can take the form of a specific shelf of books requiring parental consent, much like exists in our public middle schools; it can take the form of labels, much like the music, video and movie industry utilize; or it can simply be a re-organization of materials. Change the young adult section to span the ages 12-16 (are 12-year-olds really young “adults?”), and the books in question moved to the general book population. After all, 18-year-olds are officially adults, and 17-year-olds, well….they’re almost there, aren’t they? It’s probably a good time for them to get a glimpse of what’s waiting for them outside the safety of their parent’s supervision.