Community Members, SCSD#2 Board Discuss Book Policy

On Wednesday, Oct. 8 at Sheridan Junior High School, SCSD#2 staff and community members came together to share their thoughts, provide feedback and ask questions about Policy IJL, (Library Materials Selection and Access).

Around 40 people attended the event, and Superintendent Scott Stults welcomed the crowd.

The issue of school library materials has been the subject of much community comment and concerns at SCSD#2, as well as throughout the nation.

A copy of the policy was given to each table so community members could read and discuss the policy.

SCSD#2 librarian Ladonna Leibrich who was recently honored with Wyoming Library Association Outstanding Librarian Award, had this comment about the process.

The policy will have a second reading before it is approved. It was also clarified that not just anyone could challenge a book in the library, community member Gail Symons and Board Trustee Arin Waddell and had this exchange.

Another community member added that any parent that wants to remove a book from a library should submit a book report so the librarian would know that the patron had read the book in it’s entirety.

Several students came to the discussion, and one student felt it was very important that students be involved as she said they are going to be affected the most by this policy.

Stults thanked those who came and gave their feedback.

The comments that were gathered will be taken into consideration by the board before the second reading of the policy. Anyone having comments about the subject of library materials selection can email members of the board, or Superintendent Stults, with their concerns.