Springfield schools return Harry Potter books to library

SPRINGFIELD, Mo. -- Harry Potter books should soon be flying off the shelves again at Springfield Public Schools.

A specially appointed 11-member committee unanimously voted Friday to return the popular children's books to library shelves. The committee determined the books don't violate any board policies or guidelines for school libraries, associate superintendent Emmett Sawyer said.

The books will be readily available to students beginning Monday, he said.

The books had remained in schools, but were off the shelves in all 54 libraries. Students had to request them from the reserve desk.

The move came in March after a woman with grandchildren in the district filed a complaint, asking that the books be removed because of concerns over witchcraft.

"We realize this has been a controversial issue, but the district is obligated to follow the policy and procedures outlined by the school board," Sawyer said.

Meanwhile, the grandmother was sent a letter on Friday advising that her complaint had been reviewed and that the books would be returned to general circulation. She has not been identified by the district.

The Potter series chronicles the fictional adventures of the young Harry Potter as he attends a boarding school for wizards.