In "Hey, Anoka County, listen and listen good," (June 27) columnist Jennifer Brooks writes about the need for conversations. Conversations about important subjects like George Floyd's murder, the Derek Chauvin sentencing, the Black Lives Matter movement, bigotry, gun violence, diversity. She declares that "our differences have left us fractured and furious. Unable to unite against injustice."
Brooks angrily points to a memo from the management of the Anoka County Library, which apparently doesn't present diversity in way that suits her tastes. Brooks belittles the library leaders for encouraging "diversity on a broader spectrum" instead of hanging posters that celebrate Gay Pride or promote the Black Lives Matter organization.
For Brooks, a stance that believes libraries "are meant to be content neutral …" and "a nonpolitical place where patrons can access reading material, and everyone feels welcome and safe" (as an e-mail from Anoka County staff explains) isn't good enough.
For Brooks, "not choosing sides is a choice."
Libraries are established to educate minds. Most libraries contain many books, all designed to promote education, entertainment, ideas and literary appreciation. They offer fiction, nonfiction, books for children, DIY instruction manuals, biographies — books that contain various theories and philosophies written by authors who hold various worldviews.
In this time of unrest and division, what is wrong with providing a neutral space for readers to gather? Public libraries supported by taxpayer dollars should not be in the business of promoting certain viewpoints over others.
As an Anoka County resident, I enjoy going to the county library. I use it often. I also value great conversations, including with those who hold different viewpoints.
I was horrified by the murder of George Floyd. I don't believe anyone should be discriminated against or treated unkindly. The attack on the U.S. Capitol on Jan. 6 was unconscionable.
