Question: Did Sarah Palin propose banning books at the public library in Wasilla, Alaska?
And did she really try to fire the librarian for refusing to remove controversial books?
Answer: In the course of the public "vetting" of Palin, anonymous allegations arose accusing her of leading a good, old-fashioned book bannin' at the Wasilla Public Library. For awhile, a viral e-mail was circulated with a list of controversial books social conservatives had been attempting to have removed from public libraries for years. These books, the e-mails alleged, were the ones Palin had proposed banning during her term as mayor.
Complementing these reports were accusations that she attempted to have the librarian fired when she refused to remove the books.
According to a report on National Public Radio, then-mayor Palin did have a conversation with the librarian at the Wasilla Public Library about censorship. During an excerpt of a recorded interview with the librarian on NPR, the librarian said Palin asked her how she felt about removing controversial material from the library's shelves. The librarian responded that she would have a big problem with it, and that if anyone ever pressed her to remove books, she would contact the American Civil Liberties Union. Although the librarian said she "felt" as though Palin was hinting around that certain books should be banned, an overt comment, suggestion or proposal was never made.
Before this conversation ever took place, Palin had sent out a letter to several Wasilla department heads when she was elected mayor asking for them to turn in their resignations within two weeks. A letter to the librarian was included among these on Jan. 30, 2002. The following day, however, Palin called librarian and withdrew the request. Palin's opponents maintain this was done because of intense public outrage, but Palin's camp maintains it was merely an oversight that was quickly corrected.
Fueling the "banning" controversy is a conversation that took place between Palin and several other Wasilla council members before she ever took office as mayor. During the discussion, the subject of a book called, Daddy's Roommate allegedly took place, in which Palin expressed her opinion that the book "doesn't belong in a public library" because it is aimed at acquainting youngsters with the homosexual lifestyle.
The preceeding confluence of events -- from the conversation among council members to the questioning of the librarian -- was quickly compressed down to soundbytes during the recent public dialogue and the outcome painted Sarah Palin as a "book banner."
For a more comprehensive look at the "book ban" controversy from an unbiased source, please see this story by US Politics Guide Kathy Gill.
Sarah Palin FAQ Index
Complementing these reports were accusations that she attempted to have the librarian fired when she refused to remove the books.
According to a report on National Public Radio, then-mayor Palin did have a conversation with the librarian at the Wasilla Public Library about censorship. During an excerpt of a recorded interview with the librarian on NPR, the librarian said Palin asked her how she felt about removing controversial material from the library's shelves. The librarian responded that she would have a big problem with it, and that if anyone ever pressed her to remove books, she would contact the American Civil Liberties Union. Although the librarian said she "felt" as though Palin was hinting around that certain books should be banned, an overt comment, suggestion or proposal was never made.
Before this conversation ever took place, Palin had sent out a letter to several Wasilla department heads when she was elected mayor asking for them to turn in their resignations within two weeks. A letter to the librarian was included among these on Jan. 30, 2002. The following day, however, Palin called librarian and withdrew the request. Palin's opponents maintain this was done because of intense public outrage, but Palin's camp maintains it was merely an oversight that was quickly corrected.
Fueling the "banning" controversy is a conversation that took place between Palin and several other Wasilla council members before she ever took office as mayor. During the discussion, the subject of a book called, Daddy's Roommate allegedly took place, in which Palin expressed her opinion that the book "doesn't belong in a public library" because it is aimed at acquainting youngsters with the homosexual lifestyle.
The preceeding confluence of events -- from the conversation among council members to the questioning of the librarian -- was quickly compressed down to soundbytes during the recent public dialogue and the outcome painted Sarah Palin as a "book banner."
For a more comprehensive look at the "book ban" controversy from an unbiased source, please see this story by US Politics Guide Kathy Gill.
Sarah Palin FAQ Index
- Why did Sarah and Todd Palin announce that their teenage daughter was pregnant?
- Was Sarah Palin chosen to be John McCain's running-mate just because she's attractive?
- Will Sarah Palin's family get in the way of her duties as vice-president?
- Did Sarah Palin commit nepotism as mayor of Wasilla, Alaska
- Did Sarah Palin propose banning books at the Wasilla Public Library?
- Did Sarah Palin try to have her former brother-in-law fired from his job as an Alaska State Trooper?
- Did Sarah Palin ever support the "Bridge to Nowhere"?
- Will Sarah Palin’s interview with Katie Couric factor into the VP Debate?
- Is Sarah Palin's "folksy" talk all an act?
- Are Todd and Sarah Palin really getting a divorce?
