NEA Big Read Controversy

Dear KPL Staff,

Many of you may be wondering how to think about the recent publicity we've received about the choice of Homegoing for the NEA Big Read. I've heard a few curious comments from staff that make me want to clear up some misconceptions so we can all talk about the challenges with the same information.

To clarify the book selection process:

The National Endowment for the Arts provides grants annually to libraries and other cultural institutions that might want to host a community discussion based on themes highlighted in literature. Each year NEA presents a list of books for grant applicants to choose from. KPL staff chose Homegoing from that list. So, to be clear, it is a book recommended by NEA, but there were other books to choose from. KPL staff chose Homegoing from the NEA list and that is the book we will read and discuss in 2023.

The second misconception by challengers is that the Big Read is the same thing as the Summer Reading Program. Naturally, SRP is aimed mostly at kids. So the challengers expressed concern that kids were going to read Homegoing. I've worked hard to clear up that misconception, and we have purposefully rescheduled the timing of the Big Read to earlier in the year to make it crystal clear that they are not the same program and do not have the same audience. Kids won't be reading the book unless their parents give it to them to read and no kids programming is planned for the Big Read.

Most book bans across the country are happening in schools where the challenged book is part of the curriculum and is required reading. It's important to note two very distinct differences between those challenges and the Big Read: The Big Read is an adult level reading program and engages with adult level themes commonly found in adult level literature. It is a voluntary program- you can participate or not based on your opinion or interest in the book, just like every other program we offer. And it is fully funded through the NEA federal grant and private donations, not local tax dollars.

Now, I know that the majority of you are Real Color blue people, meaning you care a lot for others and may personally be feeling the attacks on the library. You may be very uncomfortable with conflict and a few of you might be worried about me and the personal attacks I've been facing. I appreciate your support so much, and a thumbs up when you see me totally makes my day. But remember this- I'm a "green." I'm analytical. Immersion in debate surrounding principles like the freedom to read are my wheelhouse. I dislike conflict as much as anyone else, but I see the value in challenges like this to activate our community's understanding of the critical role of the public library- to defend everyone's right to access to information and ideas, even the ones I don't like. The Public Library is the cornerstone of democracy. It doesn't matter what political persuasion you identify with. In the words of  a community supporter, "I'll be damned if someone tells me what I can and cannot read." That's an American principle. We serve people from all backgrounds and beliefs and walks of life. So our collections represent a broad spectrum of ideas and interests. That's our job, no matter how difficult it gets.

Homegoing brings up a lot of uncomfortable questions about our past and our present. It is not surprising that people will refuse to participate. But I hope they do.  Unless we try to see the world through the lens of experiences other than our own, how will we reach the level of understanding necessary for a peaceful world? 

If you have any questions about our NEA Big Read, Brandi or I will be happy to talk with you. Remember that the community loves you and supports you. Thanks for the good work you do!

Barb