Warren County resident denounces book banning and calls out Board of Supervisors for underfunding local library

Warren County Board of Supervisors

Re: Samuels Public Library

Supervisors,

I was extremely disappointed to learn the Warren County Board of Supervisors (Board) has chosen to withhold most of the funding for the library until the library can satisfy a small group of people who wish to ban books. The complainants assert the books are pornographic and obscene; our courts advise they are neither. We are fortunate to have a highly educated, experienced, and loyal staff at Samuels Public Library. Some staff members have graduate degrees in library science, including the Library Director, Reference Librarian, and the Children’s Librarian, and they consider information published by the American Library Association and the Library of Virginia. Banning books is un-American. None of these facts seem to matter to the Board as they follow the old adage, “The squeaky wheel gets the grease.”

I also wonder about these complainants. Are they Warren County residents? Did they obtain library cards just to qualify to file a complaint? Have they actually read the books or simply relied on excerpts provided by other would-be book banners? Are all of these books in the library’s collection? Do their teenage children have library cards, and do they access the library unaccompanied by an adult? With these questions unasked, it appears to me the Board was more focused on the noise than on the facts.

Operating expenses at Samuels Public Library have increased, as is true for some other county-funded organizations. However, the Board has not provided the necessary increases in funding. Constant underfunding by the Board is not appropriate. The Board now displays its disregard for the dedication and professionalism of the library staff by withholding funds in order to extort a resolution for which there is no problem.

I believe in free speech. I believe book banning is wrong. If parents are concerned about the reading habits of their children, let them make time to accompany their children to the library. The Board should not to let a small number of people decide what is best for all of Warren County and then implement that decision by extortion. Many people have doubts about the integrity of politicians. If you wish to better understand this skepticism, I suggest you consult the person in your mirror.

A Proponent of Free Speech,

Robert Richardson
Front Royal

Disclaimer: The opinions expressed in the letters published on this page are solely those of the respective authors and do not necessarily reflect the views or opinions of the Royal Examiner’s editorial team, affiliates, or advertisers. The Royal Examiner does not endorse or take responsibility for the accuracy, completeness, or validity of any statements made by the authors. The statements and claims presented in the letters have not been independently verified by the Royal Examiner. Readers are encouraged to exercise their own judgment and critical thinking skills when evaluating the content. Any reliance on the information provided in the letters is at the reader’s own risk.

While the Royal Examiner makes every effort to publish a diverse range of opinions, it does not guarantee the publication of all received letters. The Royal Examiner reserves the right to edit letters for clarity, length, and adherence to editorial guidelines. Moreover, the Royal Examiner does not assume any liability for any loss or damage incurred by readers due to the content of the letters or any subsequent actions taken based on these opinions.

In submitting a letter to the editor, authors grant the Royal Examiner the right to publish, edit, reproduce, or distribute the content in print, online, or in any other form.

We value the engagement of our readers and encourage open and constructive discussions on various topics. However, the Royal Examiner retains the right to reject any letter that contains offensive language, personal attacks, or violates any legal regulations. Thank you for being a part of our vibrant community of readers and contributors, and we look forward to receiving your diverse perspectives on matters of interest and importance.