LETTER: Recognizing challenged books list a welcome initiative

SooToday received the following letter to the editor from Camille DeSumma in response to an earlier letter regarding a list of banned, challenged books.

This is in response to reading Judy Carmichael's letter to the editor.

Ms. Carmichael states that she was able to teach five books on the banned or challenged list, which is great. It is something she should be incredibly proud of, as my teachers had a significant impact on my love of reading. I still remember most of the books I was taught in elementary school and even later in high school. She should celebrate the fact that she was able to introduce her students to works of literature that many local officials across North America continue to "ban" students from reading.

The Book and Periodical Councils' "Freedom to Read Week" is an incredible event that "encourages Canadians to think about and reaffirm their commitment to intellectual freedom." A community that shuts out diverse ideas or diverse works of art is a community committed to the perpetuation of ignorance.

Books by authors such as Toni Morrison, who crafted gorgeous prose on the African American experience, Ray Bradbury, the renowned science-fiction writer, and Margaret Atwood, whose works tackle relevant social issues, are frequently being banned from school libraries. It may sound dramatic, but these stories help change the world. They help combat the dangerous atmosphere of closed-mindedness, which can have a devastating impact on society. At the end of the day, we all want a place where we feel heard, accepted, and loved. Books can bring that to everyone. Ms. Carmichael may think it's "silly" that our public library celebrates this list. I find it amazing and welcome more initiatives that showcase diversity in our community.

Camille DeSumma