[Michlib-l] Religion in the library

[Kate Scheid]

I think it would be a mistake to equate a Pride month display, which speaks
to issues of civil rights, with displays of religious observances. A
library, as a public institution, has the responsibility to reflect all its
users. In as much as we are public, we should also be cognizant of the
historical separation of church and state and be wary of aligning ourselves
with a specific religious tradition.
Kate Scheid


*Kate Scheid*
*Brandon Township Library*
*304 South St.*
*Ortonville, MI 48462*
*(248) 627-1460*

[image: Image result for brandon township library]

On Thu, Jun 14, 2018 at 11:59 AM, Anne Oyerly via Michlib-l <
michlib-l at mcls.org> wrote:

> A bit puzzled about why you would leave up the Pride Month display, but
> worry about the Nativity?  Seems like both reflect cultural values of
> American society.
>
>
> If you really want to make it appear that you are not supporting one
> religion over another, I would focus on adding displays from other belief
> systems, not taking away one.
>
>
> Just my opinion.
>
>
> Anne Oyerly
>
> Building & Stacks Manager
>
> James White Library
>
> Andrews University​
> ------------------------------
> *From:* michlib-l-bounces at mcls.org <michlib-l-bounces at mcls.org> on behalf
> of Don Priest via Michlib-l <michlib-l at mcls.org>
> *Sent:* Thursday, June 14, 2018 10:55 AM
> *To:* michlib-l
> *Subject:* [Michlib-l] Religion in the library
>
> Hi, hoping to get some feedback on a patron complaint.  He took issue with
> a Nativity that gets put up in front of the library every year, and it's
> got me wondering if we're implicitly supporting one religion over another.
> The library isn't actually responsible for the Nativity, but it's easy to
> see why people would think we are.  We also put up a Christmas tree every
> year, and though it has no religious iconography, I'm wondering if we
> should avoid it in the future.  My research has led me to believe we're not
> out of line, but religion can be a touchy issue. I'm interested to hear
> from anyone who has fielded similar complaints, or has a deeper
> understanding of the issue.  I'm asking around here about the Nativity,
> just to make sure I have all the facts.
>
> He also took issue with a Pride Month display we have up, as evil
> according to his religion.  I'm not planning on taking that down, but if
> anyone has answered a similar challenge I would appreciate hearing how it
> went.
>
> Don Priest
> Southgate Veterans Memorial Library
> 14680 Dix-Toledo Rd.
> Southgate, MI 48195
> 734-258-3002 ext. 3003
>
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>
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