“We build a collection of what we think is a reflection of what the community wants to see,” explained Director James Casey. “We try to serve the public rather than stand in judgment of their tastes.” Admitting that “it’s hard for me to be comfortable about Playboy,” library board President Patricia Roberts nonetheless backed the retention decision, telling the Tribune, “Am I comfortable that we shouldn’t remove material because one person asks? Yes, I’m very comfortable with that.”
Disagreeing, David Smith, senior policy analyst for the Illinois Family Institute, told the newspaper, “Why shouldn’t taxpayers like Mark Decker have a say in what goes on the shelves?” Calling the vote “an incredibly bad decision,” Decker has called for other area parents to voice their concerns.
Posted June 24, 2005.