Skip to main content
Michigan’s nonpartisan, nonprofit news source

Opinion | Let parents choose what library books their own child reads

I want my kids to pursue their dreams and remain true to themselves. Reading has helped unlock their imaginations, teach them about different areas of the world and encourage them to be whatever they want to be.

Amber Battishill headshot
Amber Battishill is a mom, blogger, social influencer and partner of the MI Right to Read coalition.

One of the reasons I created roots here in Michigan is because I want my children to grow up in a state that values different perspectives and backgrounds. Our local public library is a place we can go as a family to learn and grow in those values.  

But in recent years, we've witnessed attempts to censor, ban, or restrict access to certain books in our public libraries, driven by concerns over the content being inappropriate for young readers. While the intention behind these challenges may be well-meaning, they infringe on our First Amendment right to read.

As a parent, keeping my kids safe and healthy is my top priority. At the same time, I want my children to be resilient, caring and kind. I want them to know and appreciate diverse perspectives. Michigan’s public libraries offer a safe space for our children to explore age-appropriate content. But when we limit or ban content, we undermine the very essence of this safe haven. Instead of protecting our children, we are limiting their growth and understanding of the world around them.

Parents should know what their kids are reading and watching – it’s a good thing to be involved and to ask questions. But no parent has the right to decide what another person’s child should or shouldn’t read at our public libraries. 

Every family has a different background, and it should be up to each individual parent to decide what types of books they want to share with their children. Parents can work alongside their children to determine what their interests are and talk to their local librarians about what content they recommend and how to navigate the different sections of the library.

Librarians are trained and trusted to help guide families to age-appropriate content when they visit the library. They go through years of specialized education and ongoing training to develop collections that meet the broad interests of communities. 

As parents, our role is not to shield our children from the world but to empower them with the skills and knowledge they need to thrive. Public libraries, with their vast collections, dedicated librarians, and unwavering commitment to intellectual freedom, are invaluable partners in this journey.

In Michigan, parents must stand together to protect and uphold the freedom to read in our public libraries. It’s up to all of us to ensure that our children have access to a wide range of perspectives and ideas, so they can become critical thinkers and informed citizens with the tools they need to follow their dreams. 

You can join me and 3,000 other Michigan residents, parents and students in the MI Right to Read coalition by visiting MIRighttoRead.com/parents. We all want our children to succeed, and public libraries provide them with the resources they need to learn and grow. 

How impactful was this article for you?

Bridge welcomes guest columns from a diverse range of people on issues relating to Michigan and its future. The views and assertions of these writers do not necessarily reflect those of Bridge or The Center for Michigan. Bridge does not endorse any individual guest commentary submission. If you are interested in submitting a guest commentary, please contact David Zeman. Click here for details and submission guidelines.

Only donate if we've informed you about important Michigan issues

See what new members are saying about why they donated to Bridge Michigan:

  • “In order for this information to be accurate and unbiased it must be underwritten by its readers, not by special interests.” - Larry S.
  • “Not many other media sources report on the topics Bridge does.” - Susan B.
  • “Your journalism is outstanding and rare these days.” - Mark S.

If you want to ensure the future of nonpartisan, nonprofit Michigan journalism, please become a member today. You, too, will be asked why you donated and maybe we'll feature your quote next time!

Pay with VISA Pay with MasterCard Pay with American Express Pay with PayPal Donate Now