Anna writes “The central branch of the Lexington Public Library (Kentucky) is enforcing a nine-year old policy that “forbids distributing free political materials ‘written from one point of view only.'” by removing the all copies of two local GLBT publications from their free publications tables. The Lexington-based publication, GLSO News, has been on display in the public libraries (and other locations) since 1991, and provides information about local events and issues of interest to the GLBT community and their allies.
The monthly newsletter, said editor Mary Crone, is a go-to guide of community events and current issues that might interest local gays, lesbians and adults considering coming out. It includes movie reviews, fiction, and listings for upcoming social events such as coffeehouse talks, picnics and coming-out meetings.
“Gay rights is not our focus,” Crone said. “We’re just working on how our community can get along, learn from each other and live in a larger world that is largely straight.”
Okay, this seems to be clear censorship
Political…one-sided? Oh please, this is more than a little off, clearly censorship in one way or another. Next thing you know, they will be throwing out the free magazines, periodicals, etc., that are targeted to people with children. I can see the quote now:
“These famlies with children-oriented publications that provide information about local family events, movie reviews for toddlers, child-friendly restaurants, and homeschooling children are written from one point of view only. They completely ignore the needs of single individuals, even couples that are childless. Or the elderly without children, for that matter. We’re just working on how our community can get along, learn from each other and live in a larger world that is not entirely composed of the nuclear family.”
LexPub Swings Right
Imhoff and Company need to revisit this one with the help of their attorney, ASAP. I’m not as familiar with the _GLSO News_ as I am with _The Letter_, but really: “one-sided political viewpoint”? It’s a vague and unsound policy; either tighten it up or put the papers back…
God’s Pantry
Hey, if lgbt literature is one sided, then why are they raising food for God’s Pantry? I heard that God’s Pantry is proporting the one-sided idea that nobody should go hungry! Oh yeah, and that there’s a God!
Well, there goes the Lexington Public’s argument!
update on the situation
During a review of its tables of free local community information, the Lexington Public Library removed the “GLSO News” thinking the publication was one deemed not in compliance with the Library’s policy governing the distribution of such information.
Library officials have discovered the oversight and recommended to Board Chairman, James E. Lee, Jr. that the “GLSO News” be returned to the Library’s free local community information tables. This was approved Thursday November 13.
Susan Brothers
Assistant Director
Human Resources and Training
Lexington Public Library
140 E. Main St.
Lexington, KY 40507
859-231-5502
859-231-5598 fax
[email protected]
Alternate contact: Jan Taulbee, 859-231-5509