September saw two metro public libraries being challenged for displays and books in their locations.
At Mid-Continent Public Library's North Independence branch, a banned books display drew social media criticism including from three members of the library's Board of Trustees.
Similarly, a juvenile sex education book at Cass County Public Library drew attention for what critics say are pornographic images, a claim assistant director and head of public services Dan Brower says is "false."
"That is what banned book week is supposed to do," said Steven Potter, director and CEO of Mid-Continent Public Library.
"It's supposed to highlight that the fact that people have different points of views and different opinions and that people have the freedom to come to the library and to find ideas that support those opinions as well as ideas that challenge those opinions," said Potter.
- Steven Potter, director and CEO, Mid-Continent Public Library
- Dan Brower, assistant director and head of public services, Cass County Public Library
