During a recent government meeting, a former junior high librarian passionately addressed the ongoing issue of book censorship in schools, urging the board to reconsider its approach to library materials. The librarian highlighted that the current climate of censorship began around 2017, coinciding with the release of the book \"The Hate U Give,\" which sparked significant debate over appropriate reading materials for students.

The librarian recounted the personal toll that the board's decisions had taken on her mental and physical health, leading to her difficult decision to leave her position. She emphasized the importance of allowing students to choose books that align with their values and beliefs, advocating for parental involvement in discussions about reading materials rather than relying on school board trustees to make those decisions.

In her remarks, she pointed out that existing policies for handling book complaints were not being followed, suggesting that parents should formally request reconsideration of a book rather than relying on vocal community members to dictate what should be available in libraries. She encouraged parents to read the entire book before lodging complaints, paralleling the expectation that librarians review books before purchase.

The librarian concluded her address by asserting that reading is a fundamental right for students and that librarians should be trusted as professionals in guiding students' literary choices. Her call to action emphasized the need for adherence to established policies and respect for the diverse reading preferences of students.