[Michlib-l] Religion in the library

[Mary Beauchamp]

Below is a link to a very informative article on the subject. Yes, it probably leans towards my particular opinion, but it is an excellent discussion.
https://americanlibrariesmagazine.org/2016/11/01/tis-the-season-holiday-programming/

Mary Beauchamp
Collection Development Librarian
Petoskey District Library
231.758.3114

From: michlib-l-bounces at mcls.org [mailto:michlib-l-bounces at mcls.org] On Behalf Of Phillip J Kwik via Michlib-l
Sent: Thursday, June 14, 2018 1:17 PM
To: Anne Oyerly <oyerly at andrews.edu>; Kate Scheid <kscheid at brandonlibrary.org>; michlib-l at mcls.org
Subject: Re: [Michlib-l] Religion in the library

The nativity scene and the tree may very well be illegal, as we still have separation of church and state in this country. For a time, at least.

Pride month is not a religious celebration and is completely appropriate.

Kate is absolutely correct.

Phillip Kwik
Assistant Director
Troy Public Library

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________________________________
From: michlib-l-bounces at mcls.org<mailto:michlib-l-bounces at mcls.org> <michlib-l-bounces at mcls.org<mailto:michlib-l-bounces at mcls.org>> on behalf of Kate Scheid via Michlib-l <michlib-l at mcls.org<mailto:michlib-l at mcls.org>>
Sent: Thursday, June 14, 2018 12:37:05 PM
To: Anne Oyerly
Cc: michlib-l at mcls.org<mailto:michlib-l at mcls.org>
Subject: Re: [Michlib-l] Religion in the library

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 result for brandon township library]

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

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From: michlib-l-bounces at mcls.org<mailto:michlib-l-bounces at mcls.org> <michlib-l-bounces at mcls.org<mailto:michlib-l-bounces at mcls.org>> on behalf of Don Priest via Michlib-l <michlib-l at mcls.org<mailto: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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