Samuels reply to one request for reconsideration

Samuels Public Library has responded to my Request for Reconsideration of “Prince and Knight” by Daniel Haack, which is recommended by its publisher for ages 3 and up.  The book is staying on the library shelves. For those who have been following the story, I’m one of “the 53”. Samuels assured me (and I’m sure this is true) that they have reviewed “Prince and Knight” carefully. I have written them back to assure them that I have too: every word; every picture. The lovely illustrations; the beguiling rhyme: engaging and charming. I am not being sarcastic. The book is attractive. It is a story for the very young that legitimizes an idea: homosexuality is normal if slightly unanticipated, and homosexual marriage is good.

It would seem Samuels has now taken a position, not tacitly, but explicitly. Samuels Public Library of Front Royal, Virginia, is now an official promoter to 3 and up of same-sex attraction and same-sex marriage. Intrinsic to this position is the idea that children must be challenged, from the youngest of ages, by books such as “Prince & Knight”, to become aware that homosexuality exists, to be convinced it is normal, and to consider the possibility that they themselves might be homosexuals. This is also the position of all the professional organizations Samuels cites in its answer to me as justifying its decision: the ALA; School Library Journal; Booklist; Goodreads; Kirkus; Amazon, and something Samuels calls its own “Collection Development Policy”.  Even The Chicago Tribune gets a shout-out.

Yes, Samuels stands with some of our most influential public institutions. Samuels is in line with all their current thinking. Samuels’ citing prominent and well-funded institutions to support their choice confirms the suspicion that very powerful institutions are imposing a lot of pressure on libraries to tow the company line while the taxpayers in a lot of little towns fund the imposition. Right on cue, Samuels informed me that 696 Public Libraries already carry “Prince & Knight.” It’s clear that whatever agenda is at work here, there’s clout behind it.

Samuels has made their position clear, as I have mine. They are fine with 3-year-olds reading a story that glorifies same-sex attraction and gay marriage: I am not. I’m not sure why they think that a 3-year-old’s thinking about these issues is fine, but they do.   Whatever else they say, whomever else they cite to legitimize their position, that is their position, and they are acting on it.

Laura M. Clark
Warren County 

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