In an e-mail to Library Director Betsy Bernfeld, Robert Gathercole asked if the library would also carry books on assassination and bomb-making, the Associated Press reported February 24. “I do not understand why, when so much of our county resources are devoted to dealing with the problem of substance abuse, you have chosen to spend tax dollars to purchase a how-to crime manual,” he wrote.
“We take challenges very seriously,” responded Bernfeld, explaining that she would put the book on hold when the current borrower returns it, then would follow established procedures for handing complaints. “We talk to the person about it to see if we can get to the bottom of the concern, and if they still aren’t satisfied we take it to the library board,” she said.
Posted February 27, 2004.