Support Library Access in Hanover
The restrictions on access to books that have been created in our public schools are coming to the libraries in the Pamunkey Regional Library System. The proposed "Policy for Protecting Children from Harmful, Sexually Explicit Material in Areas Designated for Minors" would have you believe that there is inappropriate material in the children's section.
There is NO explicit material in the children's section
The proposed policy would prohibit any minor, even a 17 year-old, from checking out any book that they deem to include "explicit content" (which includes award winning Young Adult titles like Looking for Alaska, The Perks of Being a Wildflower, Poet X and many more) even though the parents already gave permission for their teen to check out books by signing the library card application. The policy would also force the libraries to create a segregated "restricted" section.
Take Action
Send emails of support to the Hanover Board of Supervisors and the Pamunkey Library Board. Tell them that the current policies already allow for parent's choice, and to not make any changes. Tell them that you love being a part of the Pamunkey Regional Library System.
Tag the Pamunkey Regional Library with positive comments
Make sure everyone in the family has a library card and uses it.
Join us to take a stand against book banning in our community by participating in our "Stop Book Banning!" email campaign. Click the button below to open a customizable email template.
Below is sample email that you can send. Feel free to customize as you'd like. Be sure to include your name and magisterial district. (Find your district)
Sample Email:
To whom it may concern:
I am a citizen of Hanover county and a regular patron of the Pamunkey Regional Library System. I enjoy all of the freedoms under the current policies and appreciate my right as a parent to help my child choose books that work with our family's values. We have only had positive experiences and urge you to keep all the current policies in place.
Best.
XXXXXXX, (Include your district)
EMAIL ADDRESSES
Library Board of Trustees
youngbarbarap@gmail.com, martinryan15@gmail.com, christyprl2023@gmail.com, jedwards@west-point.va.us, robertjjohnson@juno.com, joemarsn@comcast.net, patriciasimpkins31@gmail.com, ammax3000@gmail.com, barbara@fml.com
Board of Supervisors
spdibble@hanovercounty.gov, fmherzberg@hanovercounty.gov, foprichard@hanovercounty.gov, jsstoneman@hanovercounty.gov, dgfloyd@hanovercounty.gov, smdavis@hanovercounty.gov, rmhudson@hanovercounty.gov
Begin by introducing yourself and stating that you are a resident of Hanover County.
Express your support for the Pamunkey Regional Library
Share specific examples of how access to books at PRL have positively impacted your family
State your opposition to any changes to the library collection policies
Politely ask for a response to your concerns. (optional)
A well-articulated and respectful email is more likely to have a positive impact.
Feel free to customize the template to reflect your personal experiences and perspectives.
