The board of the Howard Miller Library in Zeeland, Michigan, decided June 8 not to remove a children's book with "stupid" in its title from the library's shelves, despite a local mother's plea that it was a bad influence on her children.
Connie Beukema, whose children are ages 5, 7, and 9, said she was upset when they brought home The Stupids Die because "I feel kids pick up a bad attitude well enough on their own." The book is one of several in "The Stupids" series, written by Harry Allard.
In a June 8 Associated Press story, Library Director Tara Conway said the board voted unanimously to retain the book, noting that it had received good reviews and was on some best-reading lists. "I understand and appreciate her concerns," she said, "but this is a public library and we have to have something for everyone. Frankly, the books are funny."
Posted June 15, 1998.