[Michlib-l] Religion in the library

Thu Jun 14 14:47:32 EDT 2018

If Nativities were to suddenly disappear, would references to Ramadan and Passover also disappear? What about the increasingly popular Color Runs, which are an appropriation of the Hindu festival of Holi?

It seems to me that by removing any references to religious festivals such as these, we are missing an opportunity to become more informed about others who may not be "like us".

We do not need to prioritize one religion over another, that's a personal choice, and not what librarians are about. Also, all religions are protected by law in this country.

But we can help provide information, and hopefully help as many as possible to feel included, not excluded. Just as we try to do with Black History Month, Gay Pride, etc.

Again, just my opinion.

Anne Oyerly

________________________________
From: adriennealuzzo33 at gmail.com <adriennealuzzo33 at gmail.com> on behalf of Adrienne Aluzzo <aaluzzo at ltu.edu>
Sent: Thursday, June 14, 2018 1:19 PM
To: Phillip J Kwik
Cc: Anne Oyerly; Kate Scheid; michlib-l at mcls.org
Subject: Re: [Michlib-l] Religion in the library

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<mailto: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

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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

________________________________
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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--
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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