LIBRARY WILL CELEBRATE `FREEDOM TO READ'

A neglectful mother. An unofficial version of the story of Noah's Ark. Witchcraft. Sex. Riddles and limericks. Religion. Halloween. A negative view of life. A sad ending. These are all reasons used to challenge or ban books from schools and libraries in the United States during the past year.

A display of books challenged or banned during the past year will be displayed at the Cape Girardeau Public Library during national Banned Books Week Celebrating the Freedom to Read, Sept. 26-Oct. 3.

In Hubbard, Ohio, four children's books were questioned because the books alter the story of Noah's ark, making it confusing for children. Joan Blank's "Laugh Lines," a book of riddles, was removed from an elementary school in California because it "demeans" those who cannot figure out the answers.

Thomas Rockwell's "How to Eat Fried Worms," a perennial favorite among children, was removed from an Indiana elementary school library because it contains the word "bastard."

The picture book "Ida and the Wool Smugglers" was challenged in Howard County, Maryland, because the mother in the story was considered "neglectful."

The local library is participating in the national Banned Books Week, sponsored by the American Library Association, the American Booksellers Association, the Association of American Publishers, The American Society of Journalists and Authors, and the National Association of College Stores.

It is endorsed by The Center for the Book of The Library of Congress.

The sponsoring organizations believe that most would-be book banners act with what they consider to be the highest motives protecting themselves, their families and communities from perceived injustices and evils and preserving the values and ideals they would have the entire society embrace. The result, however, is the denial of another's right to read.

For more information, call the library at 334-5279.