What books are withdrawn and why: National Library Board
In the wake of controversy over its decision to pull three titles for not being "pro-family", the National Library Board explains what types of books it withdraws from its shelves.
By Loke Kok Fai, Channel NewsAsia, 10 Jul 2014
In the wake of controversy over its decision to pull three titles for not being "pro-family", the National Library Board explains what types of books it withdraws from its shelves.
By Loke Kok Fai, Channel NewsAsia, 10 Jul 2014
The National Library Board's (NLB) selection process for books is under scrutiny, following controversy over its decision to pull three titles that did not promote the traditional notions of family.
A #FreeMyLibrary social media campaign and at least two petitions have been launched in opposition to the move. NLB on Thursday (July 10) stressed that it would not be reinstating the withdrawn titles. However, it stated that its collection policy "does not exclude materials on alternative lifestyles".
Channel NewsAsia sent NLB the following queries on its selection process for books, and these are its replies.
Q: NLB receives an average of 20 requests a year, not all these were related to children books. What are some examples?
Q: NLB receives an average of 20 requests a year, not all these were related to children books. What are some examples?
A: We receive about 20 requests a year. We withdraw less than a third of those requested, out of our collection of over 5 million items. For instance, we were asked to remove James Patterson’s “Kill me if you can”, which is in the Adult collection, on the basis that it contains an incest theme. We kept the title in our Adult collection.
An example of a withdrawn title from the Adult collection: “The Embassy House: the explosive eyewitness account of the Libya embassy siege by the soldier who was there”. The publisher fed back that it was found to contain inconsistent accounts of events of the 2012 Benghazi Consulate attack.
Q: What is NLB’s review process for its books?
A: Given our large collection of over 5 million books and audio-visual materials, we continuously review the books that we carry in our libraries. Books are regularly discussed by librarians from across the 24 branches and the senior management of Public Libraries, headed by the Chief Librarian. As our librarians interact with thousands of visitors, they have a sensing of the needs and concerns of the community that they serve at each library. Reference is also made to our Collection Development Policy during such discussions. The two copies of ‘And Tango makes Three’, for instance, came in a few months ago. Not long after they came, they surfaced during our regular reviews by the librarians. Hence, the parent’s feedback on these books was in line with our own concerns, and NLB removed the books
Q: How many children's titles were pulled out of the libraries this year and what are they?
Q: What is NLB’s review process for its books?
A: Given our large collection of over 5 million books and audio-visual materials, we continuously review the books that we carry in our libraries. Books are regularly discussed by librarians from across the 24 branches and the senior management of Public Libraries, headed by the Chief Librarian. As our librarians interact with thousands of visitors, they have a sensing of the needs and concerns of the community that they serve at each library. Reference is also made to our Collection Development Policy during such discussions. The two copies of ‘And Tango makes Three’, for instance, came in a few months ago. Not long after they came, they surfaced during our regular reviews by the librarians. Hence, the parent’s feedback on these books was in line with our own concerns, and NLB removed the books
Q: How many children's titles were pulled out of the libraries this year and what are they?
A: Based on customers’ feedback, “And Tango Makes Three”, “The White Swan Express” and “Who is in my Family?” are the only three children’s titles withdrawn from our collection this year.
Q: Were these titles removed because they "go against the pro-family stand" of the NLB?
A: NLB’s collection development policy takes special care of our children’s collections to ensure they are age-appropriate. We take a cautious approach, particularly in books and materials for children. NLB’s understanding of family is consistent with that of the Ministry of Social and Family Development and the Ministry of Education.
Our Adult collection does contain titles with homosexual themes and our collection policy does not exclude materials on alternative lifestyles.
Q: How many among the one million items purchased in a year are for the children's section?
Q: Were these titles removed because they "go against the pro-family stand" of the NLB?
A: NLB’s collection development policy takes special care of our children’s collections to ensure they are age-appropriate. We take a cautious approach, particularly in books and materials for children. NLB’s understanding of family is consistent with that of the Ministry of Social and Family Development and the Ministry of Education.
Our Adult collection does contain titles with homosexual themes and our collection policy does not exclude materials on alternative lifestyles.
Q: How many among the one million items purchased in a year are for the children's section?
A: We have a collection of 5 million items and we purchase about 1 million items per year. Children’s books are a very high percentage of this, as many of these books undergo wear and tear.
NLB defends move to remove books
One of the titles was already under review by librarians
By Pearl Lee, The Straits Times, 11 Jul 2014
One of the titles was already under review by librarians
By Pearl Lee, The Straits Times, 11 Jul 2014
THREE children's titles removed by the National Library Board (NLB) for having homosexual content will not be reinstated despite appeals.
Elaborating on its decision yesterday, NLB said that it continually reviews the books that it carries in its libraries.
"Books are regularly discussed by librarians from across the 24 branches and the senior management of Public Libraries, headed by the Chief Librarian," it said in an e-mailed statement.
"As our librarians interact with thousands of visitors, they have a sensing of the needs and concerns of the community that they serve at each library."
Giving the example of one of the titles - And Tango Makes Three, about a pair of same-sex penguins - NLB said the title came in "only a few months ago" and had already surfaced during regular reviews by its librarians when a parent wrote in to complain.
"Hence, the parent's feedback on these books was in line with our own concerns, and NLB removed the books," it said.
NLB did not elaborate on the other two removed titles - The White Swan Express: A Story About Adoption, and Who's In My Family?: All About Our Families. Speaking at a press briefing yesterday to address the gathering controversy over the books, NLB assistant director Jasna Dhansukhlal said the board considers book reviews and trade catalogues, among other things, when choosing books.
NLB takes "special care" in choosing content for children, she said, but added: "If you are acquiring one million books for your collection, that's a big number."
News of the removed titles had sparked an uproar online, with one petition to reinstate them collecting more than 3,000 signatures in two days.
Two mothers are also organising a "read-in" this Sunday afternoon at the NLB atrium along North Bridge Road, where the books will be made available for children to read.
Some of these critics have argued that library users should be free to decide what they want their children to read.
Addressing this yesterday, Ms Jasna took reporters to the children's section of Toa Payoh Public Library to emphasise that children often "move around freely to select content on their own".
In its statement, NLB also highlighted that its adult collection "does contain titles with homosexual themes and our collection policy does not exclude materials on alternative lifestyles".
NLB kept the title Kill Me If You Can by novelist James Patterson despite users objecting to its incest theme and asking for it to be removed.
NLB said it gets about 20 e-mails a year from the public to ask for certain titles to be withdrawn, but fewer than a third of the titles in question end up being removed. In removing the books, NLB had said that they were not "pro-family".
Quizzed on how NLB defines family, Ms Jasna would say only it is "consistent with that of the Ministry of Education and the Ministry of Social and Family Development". She added that the books will be pulped - the standard process for removed titles.
Takes two to tango but many to argue
By Thrina Tham, My Paper, 10 Jul 2014
NLB removed the books from its shelves on Tuesday, following complaints from a member of the public that the books "do not promote family values".
Some agree with the move. Pre-school teacher Samantha Ng said that "there should not be unsupervised reading of such books".
She understands why some parents might be worried about books that address mature themes.
"If kids come across a lot of these books, they might think that it is a norm or that there are a lot of families like that," she said.
"If kids come across a lot of these books, they might think that it is a norm or that there are a lot of families like that," she said.
One of the books, And Tango Makes Three, features two male penguins that behave like a couple and are given an egg to raise. It is recommended for children aged four to eight.
However, experts said that parents might be imposing their worries on their children.
"What we are doing is inputting adult views and perspectives on children", said family therapist Benny Bong.
Mr Bong, who clarified that he supports the censorship of material for children, said: "Children who are just looking at two penguins, might not distinguish whether they are male or female."
Similarly, child psychologist Brian Yeo said: "Children will not form a judgment. Judgment and opinions are formed through adult guidance."While children may be exposed to books that aim to normalise alternative relationships, it is daily interaction with peers and family that influence a child's perspective, Dr Yeo said.
"The important thing is that parents are ready to talk about it should questions arise," he said.
Meanwhile, two online petitions have been launched, calling upon NLB to reinstate the books.
One was an open letter written to NLB by openly-gay writer Ng Yi-Sheng, along with Lim Jialiang and Liyan Chen.
It argued that withdrawing the books "is irresponsible and unfair to other library users and parents who may want to teach their children about acceptance, tolerance, and the heterogeneity of family structures".
The other is a petition on campaigning site Change.org, started by Bernadette Chow.
It attracted some 850 signatures, with many protesting against the censorship of books.
"Such an action violates the library's purpose as a wealth of information and knowledge," wrote a supporter, Samuel Hun.
Others argued that the move by NLB suggested that it was spelling out its stance on homosexuality.
"What NLB has done by removing these titles is to blatantly announce its bias," wrote Seri Rahayu.
Sociologist Tan Ern Ser said that the library's actions are in line with societal values.
"Recent surveys have shown that the majority of Singaporeans disapprove of same-sex relations. So I reckon the complainant and the library's action can be said to be reflecting the majority's stand on the subject," he explained.
Dr Yeo suggested that the library can address parents' concerns without removing the books completely, by marking out books with "areas of controversy".
Parents would then be aware of the nature of the books they were borrowing for their children.
NLB yanked out 3 other children's books
Two petitions started for reinstating three banned books reported earlier
By Pearl Lee, The Straits Times, 10 Jul 2014
Two petitions started for reinstating three banned books reported earlier
By Pearl Lee, The Straits Times, 10 Jul 2014
THE three books that were pulled by the National Library Board (NLB) from its shelves for not being "pro-family" were not the only ones that were removed.
The Straits Times has learnt that there were at least three more children's books that were also recently banned. Written by American author Robie H. Harris, they have to do with sex education and are meant for children aged four and above.
A source told The Straits Times that those books were removed in April after e-mail complaints from the public. When contacted, NLB declined to comment, saying it will respond today at a press conference.
It was reported yesterday that the board had yanked three children's titles, which featured same-sex couples, from its collection after complaints from some members of the public that they were not "pro-family".
At least two online petitions have since been started calling for the books to be reinstated.
Student Lim Jialiang, 23, started one with local writer Ng Yi-Sheng, 33, and Ms Liyan Chen, 31, a PhD student from the National University of Singapore. In their petition, the trio said: "The books above help to broach a highly sensitive subject to children, allowing them to understand that there are different versions of what it means to be a 'family'."
Mr Lim told The Straits Times yesterday he felt that NLB was taking "many steps backwards" when it removed those books.
"I understand that the books are offensive to some, but offence is never good grounds for censorship. One can simply choose... not to borrow the books," he said. The petition had garnered 3,100 signatures as of 11pm yesterday.
A separate online petition on petition platform Change.org also called on NLB to reinstate the removed titles. It had 1,158 supporters as of 11pm yesterday.
But members of the open Facebook group "We are against Pinkdot in Singapore" cheered the move, and called on fellow group members to write to NLB to commend its pro-family position.
Facebook user Carrie Yu, who wrote in the group to support NLB's decision, said in an e-mail to The Straits Times: "As responsible adults, we owe it to children to teach them the value of family, and how every child needs a father and a mother.
"To safeguard the moral values of the future generation of our nation, we should protect children from unwholesome influences."
Dr Khoo Kim Choo, who has 30 years of experience in the early childhood field, said it is important to teach pre-schoolers about sex and their body. "Sex is a natural process, and shouldn't be seen as dirty or bad," she said, adding that children that age often question where they came from.
"But children should read such sex education books with their parents or teachers or an adult," said the pre-school operator.
But it may be too early to discuss homosexuality with young children, said Dr Khoo.
Madam Wong Li Wah, 36, who has a five-year-old son and a three-year-old daughter, said it is important for parents to talk to their children about sex and sexual orientation, as they have to face realities.
While she has not come across children's books discussing homosexuals in the library, "if my children pick up a book like that, I hope to be able to sit them down and talk about it because I'll have to face it sooner or later as a parent."
Books on sex education removed from library shelves
By Pearl Lee, The Straits Times, 10 Jul 2014
By Pearl Lee, The Straits Times, 10 Jul 2014
IT'S NOT THE STORK!
A book about girls, boys, babies, bodies, families and friends by Robie H. Harris
Meant for children aged four and above, this book tells children about the differences between girls and boys. It has a page featuring drawings of an unclothed boy and girl, with their body parts, such as the vulva and the penis, labelled.
It discusses family types, including families with multiple children, families with a mother and father, and families with two mothers or two fathers.
The book also explains the baby-making process as "a special kind of loving" where the "man's penis goes inside the woman's vagina".
A book about eggs, sperm, birth, babies and families by Robie H. Harris
Meant for children aged seven and above, this book goes into greater details about the pregnancy process, and explains in a comic strip how the sperm and egg meet.
It also talks about love among family members and friends, and homosexual love. It explains miscarriages, abortions and adoptions as well.
The book says that grown-ups may have sex even when they are not intending to have a baby "because it can feel so good to be so close to each other".
IT'S PERFECTLY NORMAL
A book about changing bodies, growing up, sex and sexual health by Robie H. Harris
Written for children aged 10 and above, this book discusses sex more broadly than the previous two books.
It talks about sexual desires, sexual intercourse, being straight and being gay. It has a chapter describing masturbation as "perfectly normal". The book discusses how people can make decisions to abstain from sex or use birth control.
Abortion is also included in a chapter, as well as sexually transmitted diseases and how children can get information and stay safe on the Internet
Netizens petition against NLB removal of children's titles
By Kimberly Spykerman, Channel NewsAsia, 9 Jul 2014
By Kimberly Spykerman, Channel NewsAsia, 9 Jul 2014
Netizens have pushed back, after the National Library Board (NLB) pulled two children's titles off the shelves on Monday, following email complaints that they were not “pro-family”.
At least two petitions calling on the NLB to reinstate the titles have been making their rounds online.
One of the titles is about two male penguins who become a couple and raise an egg together, while the other features a female couple trying to adopt a child.
The content of the books has raised the ire of some.
One Facebook user who lodged a complaint about them urged others in a post to not let similar children's books in the library "go under the radar".
But NLB's decision to remove the books has led some to question the kind of message being sent out.
Assoc Prof Paulin Straughan, sociologist at National University of Singapore, said: "I think we have to be very cautious how we address this issue because the important message we have to uphold always is regardless of your sexual orientation, you are an important member of our community. And you don't want to demonise or cast a deviant label on somebody who has an alternative sexual orientation.
“Of course from a parent's perspective, it's a very difficult stance to take. When we are socialising our children, we would want them to stay within the norms and values the family prescribes to… So that's where we have to be mindful, that primarily, that is the responsibility of the family."
She added that while some parents may prefer that the state's norms are in line with the message they want to send to their children, it's a no-win situation.
"You demonise homosexuality, you end up demonising real people who are in your community. And I think given that scenario, it's important for us to remain inclusive, especially when it comes to sending messages to young children," she said.
Those that oppose the NLB's decision said these books are a good way to broach sensitive subjects with children, as well as provide them with different perspectives.
Sociologists said this is a good opportunity for parents to step in to set the context so their children do not grow up with prejudices.
Parents Channel NewsAsia spoke to said the onus is on them to help their kids understand issues better.
One of the parents said: "Just pulling it off the shelves is not the answer. If the parents can explain the books, it would help, but not every parent is equipped to explain such a difficult matter."
Assoc Prof Straughan said: "I don't think any parent would really want their child to end up discriminating against another human being. But the seeds are sown when they are young, and when we teach them very straightforward kind of messaging that this is right and this is wrong, there's no in-between. And they grow up believing that's the case, I think in terms of growing an inclusive society, something goes wrong there."
When contacted, NLB referred Channel NewsAsia to its original statement issued on Tuesday, where it said that it takes a pro-family and cautious approach in selecting books for children, and exercises its best judgment when it comes to assessing the contents of books.
It added that it continually reviews its children's collection.
NLB's statement also said: "We also refer to synopses, reviews and other books written by the authors. Parents can be assured that NLB is sensitive to their concerns and views, and their feedback."
NLB pulls 3 kids' books off its shelves
Decision taken following complaints received that books not 'pro-family'
By Pearl Lee, The Straits Times, 9 Jul 2014
Decision taken following complaints received that books not 'pro-family'
By Pearl Lee, The Straits Times, 9 Jul 2014
THE National Library Board (NLB) has pulled at least three children's books off its shelves after it received complaints the books were not "pro-family".
This came to light after a Facebook user, Mr Teo Kai Loon, posted a note in an open Facebook group yesterday claiming NLB had removed two of the three books following his complaint.
The first book, And Tango Makes Three, features two male penguins that behave as though they are a couple, while the second book on adoption features two female partners adopting a baby from China.
But a source told The Straits Times that two months earlier, the board had pulled out another children's title, Who's In My Family? All About Our Families by Robie H. Harris, after it received e-mails from people objecting to it. The book follows a family's outing to a zoo, and includes references to single parents and same-sex couples.
Mr Teo had posted his note in a group named "We are against Pinkdot in Singapore", called on fellow members to "scrutinise" the library's catalogue and not allow such children's books to "go under the radar". "You can always e-mail NLB for that, the action is swift, all within two days. Remember, the onus is on us."
In the same note, he also included an e-mail he had received from NLB assistant chief executive Tay Ai Cheng, who said the two books have been removed following his feedback. She also said NLB takes a "strong pro-family stand" when selecting books for children.
"We have a collection of more than five million books. While we try to sieve through the contents and exercise our best judgment, it is an arduous task to ensure complete adherence of details in the books to our pro-family stand," she said. "(But) when library visitors like yourself highlight to us any conflicting content within books, we review such books thoroughly and withdraw them from circulation."
Mr Teo did not respond to The Straits Times' queries. He removed the post yesterday evening after it was shared online and attracted criticisms. When asked, the library board confirmed that it had removed all three children's titles and reiterated that it takes a "pro-family and cautious approach" in identifying titles for young readers. It added that it continually reviews its children's collection and is "sensitive" to parents' feedback.
But NLB did not say why the children's titles were selected in the first place. It also did not say how it decides to remove certain titles from its collection.
This incident has prompted some people to write in to NLB to seek explanation.
They include civil society activist Vincent Wijeysingha, who called this episode a "really serious matter of public censorship".
In his letter to the library board, which the former opposition politician reproduced on his Facebook page, he called the National Library "the nation's principal knowledge repository".
"Your decision to withdraw two books on limited feedback without wider consultation is an extremely worrying development given your mandate to cater to all Singaporeans," he said.
Ms Melissa Tsang, 22, who works in content marketing in a start-up, wrote to NLB: "It's only fair that parents decide for their children what they can or cannot read.
"The library matters because we're talking about a free access public educational resource here," she said to The Straits Times.
About the books
By Pearl Lee, The Straits Times, 9 Jul 2014
By Pearl Lee, The Straits Times, 9 Jul 2014
AND TANGO MAKES THREE
Based on the true story of two male chinstrap penguins, named Roy and Silo. It tells of how the pair, who live in Manhattan's Central Park Zoo, built a nest like those of other mating penguins but could not lay an egg.
A zookeeper gave the pair an egg, that needed caring for, from another penguin couple. They then took turns sitting on the egg to keep it warm until it hatched. The chick was named Tango.
THE WHITE SWAN EXPRESS: A STORY ABOUT ADOPTION
It tells the story of people who travel to China to pick up the children they have adopted.
The adoptive parents comprise two married couples from Miami and Toronto, a single mother from Minnesota, and a lesbian couple from Vashon Island near Seattle, who have adopted baby girls from an orphanage in China.
The book tells of the long adoption process and the emotions that come with it. The seven parents travel to the White Swan Hotel in China together, exchanging stories on the way.
WHO'S IN MY FAMILY? ALL ABOUT OUR FAMILIES
The book looks at the diversity of families as it follows a family's outing to the zoo. It talks about how different families eat different types of food. For instance, some eat bacon and eggs for breakfast, while others eat pita bread and hummus. The book makes references to various types of families, such as same-sex, single-parent and extended ones.
Not NLB's role to promote ideology
I AM concerned by the National Library Board's removal of three children's books from its catalogue because of its "strong pro-family stand" ("NLB pulls 3 kids' books off its shelves"; yesterday).
Any type of "stand" would necessitate removing many books that are currently in circulation.
For instance, the NLB's collection contains the writings of Adolf Hitler and Pol Pot. Despite their morally objectionable content, these remain legitimate objects of study and thus ought to be made available to the public.
Under the National Library Board Act, one of the functions of the NLB is to "promote reading and encourage learning through the use of libraries and their services".
It is not for the NLB to promote any particular ideology in its choice of books; its role is only to promote access to information, and it is up to the readers to draw their own conclusions.
Learning can take place only when the public has access to as great a "marketplace of ideas" as possible, from which readers, and not the NLB, can separate acceptable ideas from the unacceptable ones.
Indeed, an intelligent public can be trusted not to take any book at face value.
Books are not just texts to be read and thought about; they, and society's views towards them, are social phenomena to be studied.
The interaction of books with Singaporean society - even if such interaction takes the form of disapproval - is part of the living history of our society.
Thus, I call on the NLB to restore the three books to its collection. People are, of course, free to disapprove of them, but that is their business, not the NLB's.
Moreover, they would perhaps find it easier to explain their disapproval to others if the public had ready access to these books.
Benjamin Joshua Ong
ST Forum, 10 Jul 2014
ST Forum, 10 Jul 2014
Not right forum for discussion
THE National Library Board has done the right thing by adopting a "pro-family and cautious approach" in identifying titles for young readers, and removing at least three controversial children's books that included references to single parents and same-sex couples ("NLB pulls 3 kids' books off its shelves"; yesterday).
At the heart of the issue lies the question: What is "family"?
Some view "family" as based on a biological connection between a father, a mother and their children; others view it as an emotional union between committed people.
In 2007, Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong defined the "family" in Singapore as "one man, one woman marrying, having children and bringing up children within that framework of a stable family unit" ("Why we should leave Section 377A alone: PM"; Oct 24, 2007).
Recent surveys conducted by Our Singapore Conversation and the Institute of Policy Studies show that the majority of Singaporeans continue to hold this view, and for good reason.
Biologically, human reproduction requires the sexual complementarity of a man and a woman. Anthropologically, fathers and mothers are different and complementary. Sociologically, evidence shows that children fare best when raised by their married biological fathers and mothers.
Hence, the first definition of "family" affirms the right of every child to be raised by a father and a mother.
The NLB's move is consistent with the policy of the Ministry of Education.
In a 2009 statement, the ministry explained that schools do not promote alternative lifestyles to students, and that its framework for sexuality education reflects the "mainstream views and values of Singapore society, where the social norm consists of the married heterosexual family unit" ("Why MOE suspended Aware project"; May 7, 2009).
Children's books are not the right forum for a discussion on alternative lifestyles.
If activists wish to change the definition of "family", there are appropriate forums for discourse in a democratic society like Singapore, but the hearts and minds of children are not among them.
Darius Lee
ST Forum, 10 Jul 2014
Darius Lee
ST Forum, 10 Jul 2014
Kids' books portray reality
THAT the National Library Board (NLB) has removed three children's titles because, according to some complainants, their contents are not "pro-family" raises three fundamental questions ("NLB pulls 3 kids' books off its shelves"; yesterday).
First, what is the role of a good library? Is it not to expand the horizons of its readers?
The children's books that have been pulled off the shelves portray reality - there are numerous same-sex couples who have adopted children, as depicted in The White Swan Express: A Story About Adoption, while And Tango Makes Three retells the real-life story of two male penguins who formed a partnership.
To will these realities away simply because one disagrees with them makes a mockery of knowledge acquisition. This is especially so when parents have the liberty to disallow their children from reading these books, or to explain to them their version of an ideal family structure.
Second, the procedure to get library books banned seems arbitrary and open to abuse. Is a coordinated slew of angry e-mails sufficient to make the NLB yield?
Third, is it the NLB's mission to propagate "pro-family" children's books?
If the answer to the last question is "yes", then there are other titles that ought to be removed as they, too, are not "pro-family" - for example, Pinocchio because the puppet/child has no parents; and Cinderella since the heroine lives in a dysfunctional family with an evil stepmother and sisters, and abandons her family to live with a prince.
I am sure other readers will be able to provide a more comprehensive list of titles to be taken off the shelves, so that all children's books in our libraries will depict the "pro-family" structure of a father, a mother and their children.
Harvey Neo
ST Forum, 10 Jul 2014
ST Forum, 10 Jul 2014
Speak up against bigotry
I DO not know enough about the controversy over the withdrawal of three children's books to comment on the merits of the National Library Board's decision ("NLB pulls 3 kids' books off its shelves"; yesterday), but I am unsettled by the increasingly hectoring stance adopted by certain pressure groups in pursuit of their own agenda under the guise of being "pro-family".
The term "pro-family" is nebulous and allows all sorts of mischief to be carried out in its name against virtually anyone.
If so-called alternative family structures are to be censored, should classic fairy tales like Snow White or Sleeping Beauty be yanked off the shelves too? One lives alone with seven unrelated single old men; the other is raised by two unmarried godmothers. We can certainly contrive to take umbrage with these stories for not promoting "family values".
Should Singapore's growing ranks of singletons, divorcees and single parents be pilloried or patronisingly "counselled" for not forming some arbitrarily defined "family unit"?
And what of the education and progressive empowerment of women? A growing majority of Singaporean women can now look forward to more life options apart from settling for kindly husbands to provide for their needs. Should education and gender equality then be rolled back for the sake of being "pro-family"?
While everyone is entitled to his opinion, society must speak out against self-appointed moral vigilantes who insist on imposing their narrow prejudices on the rest of us. Even if an issue does not personally concern us, we owe it to ourselves to speak out early and firmly against bigotry.
Francis Quek
ST Forum, 10 Jul 2014
Francis Quek
ST Forum, 10 Jul 2014
Books helped reader feel accepted
I READ with grave concern the article ("NLB pulls 3 kids' books off its shelves"; yesterday).
Growing up in the early 1980s as a child of divorced parents, I benefited from the books that the library carried; they made a positive impact on my life.
Within their pages, I was liberated from the "outside" world that would tell me that my family was not "normal" or "real" because my parents no longer lived under the same roof.
The books spoke of others like me who had atypical families but were no less legitimate. They helped me understand that though families may not all be alike, what truly makes a family is not the gender of the people involved, or the need to have a mother and a father, but rather love, care and sacrifice.
Those books helped me feel understood, accepted and less alone. They also cultivated in me an appreciation for those who stepped forward to be my family, to raise me, when it was probably easier to walk away.
It was this sense of gratitude and ties built over decades of nurturing and love that enabled us to continue to struggle along, especially when times were hard. This, to me, is the real meaning of what being "pro-family" is.
I hope the National Library Board will consider reinstating the three titles and continue to procure books that offer exposure and insights into this diverse world we live in. This access to knowledge, as I have experienced, can be life-changing.
Charmaine Vanessa Tan Mei-Li (Ms)
ST Forum, 10 Jul 2014
ST Forum, 10 Jul 2014
NLB’s banned children’s books reflect a facet of reality
Perry Tan, TODAY Voices, 10 Jul 2014
Perry Tan, TODAY Voices, 10 Jul 2014
I was surprised that the National Library Board (NLB) removed two children’s books from its collection after it received complaints that the books were not “pro-family”.
One of the books, And Tango for Three, is based on a true story about two male penguins raising a baby penguin in New York’s Central Park Zoo. The other, The White Swan Express: A Story About Adoption, is about four families who adopted children – two were made up of heterosexual couples, one was a single-parent family and the last was a same-sex family.
One can surmise that the objection to these books was based on their purported references to homosexuality.
As an agnostic father of two young kids, married to a moderate Christian wife, I was intrigued by the complaint and disturbed that the NLB acted in favour of the complainant.
First, I have absolutely no problems exposing my children to stories and themes of homosexuality, because I believe it highlights a facet of reality: that there are sexual minorities in every society. If my kids turned out straight, I would like them to accord complete respect, empathy and acceptance to their LGBT (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender) friends.
More importantly, if my children turned out to be adults who belonged to a sexual minority, I would want them to be completely comfortable in their own skin. These books would allow me to inform my children at a young age of the diversity in what it means to be a family and would serve as an invaluable teaching resource.
Second, I am shocked that conservatives are acting as self-appointed vigilantes in the public space, policing what society as a whole should and should not read. While they have every right to adopt the views they choose to adopt, and keep their children away from books they deem inappropriate, they should not impose their values on the rest. Singapore is a secular state, and the NLB, as a statutory board, should act accordingly.
Third, the meaning and definition of “family” can be diverse, and it would serve everyone better if people can agree to disagree, than for one vocal minority to define the meaning of “family”.
Protection from controversial ideas
THE fundamental structure of a house is its pillars. Likewise, the fundamental structure of a family is the father, mother and children.
Since time immemorial, family values have been based on this. Therefore, the National Library Board did the right thing by removing children's books that go against this principle ("NLB yanked out 3 other children's books"; yesterday).
If the NLB had done otherwise, then it would certainly have come across as promoting a political aim or, as Mr Benjamin Joshua Ong says, an ideology ("Not NLB's role to promote ideology"; yesterday).
The children's section in the library is visited by children of all ages. Young children are drawn to the pictures on book covers or their titles. They are not mature enough to "separate acceptable ideas from the unacceptable ones", and that is why there are rules in place to protect them from smoking, alcohol and other vices.
And because they are children, they should be protected from controversial ideas in library books that could influence them in a subtle way.
Some children are accompanied to the library by parents or grandparents who may not understand English. Hence, the books these children pick out cannot be vetted by their guardians, who have no reason to suspect that the library would carry books with controversial ideas.
Children have the tendency to trip and fall down, especially when their environment is cluttered. In the same way, developing minds should not be cluttered with stumbling blocks.
Adult life may present many challenges against traditional family values and fundamental truths, but the fact is that in our society, a marriage is between a man and a woman, and that when a male reproductive cell fuses with a female reproductive cell, a baby is formed - these are what children need to know.
Grace Chua Siew Hwee (Madam)
ST Forum, 11 Jul 2014
ST Forum, 11 Jul 2014
Sheltering kids does no good
I WAS shocked and disappointed to find out that the National Library Board pulled some children's books off its shelves because they were not "pro-family" ("NLB pulls 3 kids' books off its shelves"; yesterday).
It is unfortunate that the NLB is attempting to shield children from different viewpoints regarding sexual orientation.
Some may claim that children should be protected from "unclean values", but this is causing them to grow up in a sheltered environment.
This is not ideal if we want them to grow up as well-informed young citizens who can contribute differing views based on individual opinions.
Such debate is extremely valuable as it contributes towards Singapore's progress as a country.
Also, by removing children's books that showcase various sexual orientations, we are subconsciously telling children that homosexuality is wrong and shameful.
By ingraining such an idea in them, there is the possibility that bullying cases against gays and lesbians in our society will increase. This undermines our efforts to build a more inclusive society that values and cares for everyone.
If the more conservative segment of our population is concerned about imparting "proper family values" to children, then the NLB could consider setting up a separate section for books such as And Tango Makes Three and The White Swan Express: A Story About Adoption (above). A librarian could be situated nearby to clarify any doubts or misconceptions that the children may have regarding these books.
Eden Chua (Miss)
ST Forum, 11 Jul 2014
Library books should offer diverse perspectives
ST Forum, 11 Jul 2014
Library books should offer diverse perspectives
I WAS shocked to learn that there were parents who wanted the National Library Board to remove children's books that mentioned alternative family structures, and even more appalled that the NLB agreed to do so ("NLB pulls 3 kids' books off its shelves", Wednesday; and "NLB yanked out 3 other children's books", yesterday).
Libraries should offer full information and different perspectives, especially on controversial issues. If we had one factual answer to "What is a family?", there would be no dispute in the first place.
However, the criticism of the NLB's move shows there are many Singaporeans who take a different view. We should try to understand the perspectives of all members of our society and find a compromise.
Therefore, libraries should have books that present diverse views, so children can see the world in its entirety.
It is understandable that parents wish for their children to adopt their views, and it is their responsibility to explain to their children what they think is right.
I see the NLB's move as an act of intolerance. In a very diverse society like Singapore, it is even more pertinent that issues be addressed in an open manner. This is similar to understanding differences in religious beliefs and accepting others' lifestyles, which does not equate to promoting them.
There are families in Singapore that do not conform to the nuclear family model, and teaching children that their classmates, who may be adopted or from single-parent families, ought to be shamed without understanding each individual's context is not the answer.
The books send the message that we should accept differences, and that there is hope of finding love and family (albeit different) for orphaned or unwanted children. Yes, there are depictions of non-nuclear families, but most people would not choose to be in them unless it was impossible for them to have a nuclear family.
These personal decisions, difficult and stressful in themselves, do not affect the daily lives of nuclear families. By the same argument, these alternative families are not and should not be pushing for their type of family structure to be the only correct way to live.
Thus, I hope these books and similar books can be left on library shelves. After all, people have the freedom to either read them or ignore them.
Alyssa Ang (Miss)
ST Forum, 11 Jul 2014
ST Forum, 11 Jul 2014
What is NLB's role in community?
I AM disappointed with the National Library Board's knee-jerk reaction to a library user's complaint that two children's books were not "pro-family" ("NLB pulls 3 kids' books off its shelves"; Wednesday).
The question here is not about the NLB's self-proclaimed "strong pro-family stand". This was never stated as its mission or vision on its website.
Neither is this about the different views on sexual orientation, single parenthood, marriage and so on, for there are other social issues that have drawn differing views.
What I am concerned about is the role that NLB intends to take on. Was withdrawing the books the only way to address the issue? Or was it the only way to appease those who complained? What happens when another group demands that NLB remove books on a different social issue? Is it going to do the same thing?
A good library is one that provides the catalyst, in the form of books, for discussions on social issues. As a public institution, the NLB should provide a space that promotes a healthy exchange of views and ideas, a space where one seeks to understand and be understood.
I hope the NLB reflects on the role it intends to play in our community.
Goh Wee Ling (Ms)
ST Forum, 11 Jul 2014
ST Forum, 11 Jul 2014
IT'S MORE THAN JUST BOOKS
Libraries should promote learning, not police values
By Carol Soon, Published The Straits Times, 11 Jul 2014
Libraries should promote learning, not police values
By Carol Soon, Published The Straits Times, 11 Jul 2014
ON WEDNESDAY, news of the National Library Board's (NLB) withdrawal of some books was reported in the mainstream media. The NLB's move was a response to feedback from a patron that the books go against the "pro-family" ethos of Singapore society as they dealt with same-sex partners.
By noon, reactions to what NLB did spread online, with at least two individuals setting up petitions calling for the library board to resume circulation of the books. While the NLB's move has attracted some support, the castigation directed at it via blogs, social media and its feedback page was glaringly obvious. The dismay towards the NLB has increased since it announced at a press conference yesterday that the books will go through a "discarding process" where they will be pulped.
The criticisms against NLB's move run the gamut from the philosophical to the material. It has fuelled the ongoing debate on the different interpretations of the term "pro-family". It has also led to a discussion about the freedom of people to read what they want, who should bear the responsibility of managing a child's reading diet (the library or the parent) to whether it foreshadows the culling of more books deemed offensive by some (would self-help books on coping with divorce and single parenting be the next to go, some wonder).
The storm brewing around this incident is not unique to Singapore. Censorship - defined by the American Library Association as excluding, restricting or removing materials - is an ongoing tussle even in liberal countries such as Norway, Sweden and the United States.
Despite the Library Bill of Rights, libraries in the US have received challenges by members of the public to remove books including "The Adventures Of Huckleberry Finn" (racial stereotypes), "The Catcher In The Rye" (sexual promiscuity and vulgarity) and the Harry Potter series (the occult and disrespect to authority).
Libraries in the US are governed by the Bill which stipulates that "books and other library resources should be provided for the interest, information and enlightenment of all people of the community the library serves". It also states that "libraries should provide materials and information presenting all points of view on current and historical issues" and that "materials should not be proscribed or removed because of partisan or doctrinal disapproval". In this spirit, libraries have stood up against complaints and even public attacks.
In the midst of the ongoing debate, I would like to bring back into focus the often overlooked contribution of public libraries to our society. During the Institute of Policy Studies' flagship conference Singapore Perspectives 2014, Minister of State (Education, and Communications and Information) Sim Ann spoke about developing empathy to deal with an increasingly diverse society and how literature could be a tool to cultivate that quality.
A public library cannot compel people to weigh different views equally, without bias and based on evidence. But it is society's best shot at getting access to wide-ranging informational resources that can empower people to take part in discussions that yield productive outcomes for themselves and society.
Last year, I wrote an article questioning if we have what it takes for the Government and citizens to talk to one another. I had argued that in order to have meaningful conversations, people need to have access to information. In this way, they come armed not just with enthusiasm to contribute to policy-making but also with facts and reason.
Political scientist James Fishkin, widely cited for his work on deliberative democracy, has identified five elements integral to legitimate deliberation. They include making accurate information and relevant data available to all participants, and attaining substantive balance where different positions are compared based on their supporting evidence. There is also a need to allow for diversity, where all major positions relevant to the matter are considered, and the practice of conscientiousness, in which participants sincerely weigh all arguments. Finally, equal consideration should be given to views based on evidence and not on the people who advocate those views.
Singapore's public libraries have done well in this respect. Providing free annual memberships for Singaporeans and permanent residents (with a nominal one-time registration fee for the latter), the NLB's numerous branches ensure that the charming playfulness of P.G. Wodehouse, the imagination of J.R. Tolkien and the iridescence of Aristotle are within everyone's reach, regardless of the size of his or her pocket.
Besides being a bastion of knowledge, public libraries also enable Singaporeans to participate more effectively in building a better society for all. To be engaged citizens who understand trade-offs and propose expedient solutions requires that we be exposed to information and viewpoints that at times may challenge what we hold dear. Critical thinking skills are best honed when we are exposed to contradictory ideas, data and dogmas.
Our public libraries, with their richly varied offerings, expose us to the unfamiliar, the unknown and the untested, challenging our assumptions and fostering critical minds.
Perhaps, the public library is a microcosm of today's society, a place where different values, cultures and philosophies come under one roof. In the face of clashing ideals, the NLB ought to leave the moral policing to the larger heterogeneous public, who should have a chance to articulate their views on what is offensive or not.
Other institutions exist to promote moral values. Our libraries should stay true to their core principles of promoting learning and literacy, and use these as their guiding light.
To quote from the poet T.S. Eliot: "The very existence of libraries affords the best evidence that we may yet have hope for the future of man".
The writer is a Research Fellow with the Arts, Culture and Media cluster at the Institute of Policy Studies, National University of Singapore.