Story Created: Feb 28, 2008 at 12:07 AM MDT
Story Updated: Nov 7, 2008 at 11:33 AM MDT
The Joy of Sex and the Joy of Gay Sex, two books one Nampa dad says don't bring any joy to his community's library.
"The pictures and images that are in these books are very graphic and disturbing. There are even photographs," Randy Jackson said.
Two years ago Jackson checked out both the books and he never returned them. In fact he asked the Nampa Library Board of Trustees twice to remove the books altogether. Both times the board voted no. But now Jackson is back and he's trying again.
"I had people come up to me on the street and ask about the library thing, I had people call me, I don't even know how they got my number, and ask what they can do to help with the library issue," Jackson said.
The chair of the library board, Rosie Reilly said with three out of five new members on the board, they decided to hear Jackson's complaint for the third time. It's on their March monthly meeting agenda. But since the board's 2006 decision, the Nampa Public Library said they've worked hard continuing to keep both books away from the kids section, placing them on the top two shelves, and making sure neither book is left on library tables.
While Jackson says that's not good enough, not every library patron agrees.
"This is a nation of freedom of speech and people should be able to choose for themselves," one Nampa resident said.
"You may control where the books are placed but not banning them, a public library is about certain ideals," another Nampa Library visitor said.
Jackson says the battle of these two books isn't about censorship, he says it's about protecting his community.
"We just don't think these books have a place in the library, in a public library where families come to be safe," he said.
Board members will take up Jackson's third complaint at their regularly scheduled board meeting March 10 at 4 p.m. The public is invited to come and comment.
Most Popular
- Wash. woman target of acid attack had just moved from Idaho
- Check this out! Hot air balloon lands in Boise River
- BSU unveils new uniforms
- Did son kill parents over $500 in rent money?
- Photos: Swimsuits and gowns at Miss Universe
- Boise Marine killed was 'a true hero'
- Photo Gallery: Firefighting aircraft in action
- Three people killed in Idaho Fish and Game helicopter crash
- Kitten target of chemical attack, tossed around 'like a baseball'
- Prosecutors: Teacher faked being teen for online sex chats
