PUBLIC LIBRARY CENSORS.

Press, Volume LX, Issue 11749, 25 November 1903, Page 8

PUBLIC LIBRARY CENSORS.

. I, ~*, ■... so m. iDKpB o» nB nuts*.. Sir,—l think you hardly realise'th© re? aponsibility which is laid upon those who select the book* for the Public Library. Out of the 2000 or so of subscribers many are youths of both sexes, and everyon© of these ha**a right.to select or order any book in the library. During the last eight years it ha* been .my duty to a*M!«t in selecting books from time to time, and I have mad© it a rulo to put no book'on tn© shelves I would not wish any member of my own family to bring in to my house to read for herself. Many authors have such a standing in th© realm of literature that no question need be asked concerning their works. In cases of new writer* the members of Committee, a* almost any experienced reader, can in a few minutes, by sampling a book, find out if the author is "safe." In other cases reviews are consulted, and sometime* the assistant librarian is requested to examine a book at leisure before allowing it on.the shelves.' Probably there are some books in the library.that would be better out of lit. as you hint; but I think the public generally will wish that the Library authorities shall rather err on tbe side of safety than in the other direction. I may say I am not aware of the steps that have been taken in regard to Butler's book, to which you refer, but Professor Sale's review shows it is "strong meat," which we are told should not be given to babes. Your leader supports this id«u Under these circumstejnees, 1. is surely better that those who are interested in the delicate questions he deals with, should either purcitase' it privately, or obtain it in some other way, than that it should be put wliere young people who may not be able to understand tbe rpirit of the author, could, without let or hindrance, obtain it.—Your*, etc., G.W.RUSSELL.