[Michlib-l] Religion in the library

[Adrienne Aluzzo]

I agree with Phillip and Kate. We wouldn't hesitate to celebrate Black
History month, or Women's history month and I believe that Gay pride fits
in this category as opposed to religious observances. You might argue a
Christmas tree isn't religious but they only come out at Christmas time and
you'll rarely see them in a University Library (at least in my humble
experience).

Adrienne

On Thu, Jun 14, 2018 at 1:16 PM, Phillip J Kwik via Michlib-l <
michlib-l at mcls.org> wrote:

> 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
>
> Sent using OWA for iPad
>
> Sent using OWA for iPad
> ------------------------------
> *From:* michlib-l-bounces at mcls.org <michlib-l-bounces at mcls.org> on behalf
> of Kate Scheid via Michlib-l <michlib-l at mcls.org>
> *Sent:* Thursday, June 14, 2018 12:37:05 PM
> *To:* Anne Oyerly
> *Cc:* 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: 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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-- 
Adrienne Aluzzo
Architecture Resource Center, Librarian/Manager
Lawrence Tech University
21000 W. 10 Mile Road
Southfield, MI  48075
248/204-2821
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