In support of librarians

Back in college my typography professor once told me that “The greatest thing in the world is the alphabet. In it all the world’s knowledge is contained.” And now many people are afraid of it, especially when it is contained in books. Why this fear? And why the assault on those whose job it is to educate and open the world to inquiring minds?

I stand up for librarians; the Marion, Cedar Rapids and Hiawatha librarians are stellar people. Not only the public librarians, but those at Mount Mercy University or Coe College or Cornell offer a ticket to new worlds. These kind and generous professionals share knowledge which opens up worlds beyond the everyday. Perhaps that is what is so frightening to some. One needs a wider view than just a family or a neighborhood or a city. It is said that travel broadens one, and sometimes books can transport one on a wonderful journey. Indeed, some are harassing schoolteachers that offer learning and insight to significant history.

This current attack on so-called inappropriate books reminds me of the fearmongering of an earlier era by Wisconsin senator Joseph McCarthy, who appealed to the anxiety of the populace of his day to root out what he thought were “communists” by making unfounded accusations. Let’s not go back to that day, but actually read books for their total message and literary merit. And thank the powers to be for libraries and books on all subjects.

Robert Naujoks

Marion