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As I mentioned last episode, let’s talk about going to the library. Of course, going to the library on hot summer days is standard, just like going to the pool. Today, one would never ever just drop the children off. So, let’s talk about how to take the children safely to the library.
Read to them, selected, classic books. Check to be sure that they are the original story and not somehow rewritten to make a different point — or at least not one diametrically opposed to your values. Yes, it is tricky these days.
ATTACKS ON CHILDREN’S MINDS AND EMOTIONS
A few years ago my younger friends were quite worried about the witchcraft in books. They led me to realize it was an important issue. Beyond that, ask how adults are portrayed. Notice in the Harry Potter books, all the adults are either evil or irresponsible. Hmmm. Today, you will want to notice other language, language that subtly teaches that human judgement trumps God’s law, that government is more responsible than people, and that there is nothing ever to be grateful about — or that we should hate ourselves.
IRON LAW OF WOKE PROJECTION
Be careful, too, of the iron law of woke projection. There are indeed racists — about oh probably less than 1% of American society. But watch out for those who call themselves anti-racists. As you read book, teach your children to notice language. What do these words mean? How does that make you feel? Why does someone want to make you feel that way? Is the claim objectively true? Notice, this last question is normally more important that “how does that make you feel?” Especially if that is the only question, and only used as a spur to weaponize… you… for someone else’s aim.
LIBRARY LESSONS
Help your child learn how to choose a good book. That means being able to tell quickly which are the better books.
Don’t stop the library lessons just because a child learns to read! Keep it up. Practice argumentation with your teens. Reason, inform, even expose them to the elders’ pontification. Indeed, I learned so much from my father’s discussions about history etc after dinner. I was amazed by the time I was in 6th grade or so that many of my classmates didn’t even know what their fathers did for a living. They were impoverished then, from having a window into the adult world.
We didn’t do like the Kennedys and have recitation after dinner. Watch that movie and see how the sons had to answer questions and recite. Good training for leadership. It is a tradition for us, though, for the children to put on presentations such as sing a few Christmas carols on Christmas day or put on a play some summer day. Read *Little Women* and notice that putting on family plays and shows really was common in the days before television. It all starts with taking the little ones to the library.
BEING A CONTRIBUTIVE CITIZEN
If you find inappropriate material in the children’s section, just kindly, sweetly bring it to the Children’s Librarian or Head Librarian, saying you are sure it was a mistake. You wouldn’t expect that they would shelve something that is developmentally inappropriate in the children’s section. You wouldn’t expect them to disobey the law. If she or he gives you a curt or worse response, don’t argue. Certainly don’t threaten; only possibly say that you hope they see the light. Or that you will pray for them. Say it sweetly – not with a smile that could be construed as menacing. Then, have a chat with your city council member. Make an appointment, sit down, and explain what happened. Don’t accuse. They probably didn’t know. But they do have budgetary oversight. If they give you an inappropriate response, don’t argue. Say, “I see.” Then sign up for helping their opponent in the next election. And do let those who are influential and care about politics know what is up. Find others and join together.
If you have time, join the library board, advisory committee, etc. Don’t be conflictual, but do be sweetly persistent. They know what they are doing. But they are fewer. Get some of your retired friends to volunteer too.
LINKS
As you know, there have been drag queen storytime hour, promoting what traditionally has been considered grooming for deviant behavior. Now Brave Books, led by Kurt Cameron, is attempting to have storytime hour that promotes good character and traditional morality or family values. (Notice how these last terms are now considered bad.) Here is the website for Brave books https://bravebooks.us/
In my area Citizens for Defending Freedom https://www.citizensdefendingfreedom.com/
is organizing book readings and possibly demonstrations. CCDF is far from being in every county and country, but there may be another organization with a similar plan in your area.
Notice that Advance Publishing has been publishing for elementary school aged children with library quality binding, promoting good character from a Christian perspective while not mentioning any religious or God language, so that their books would be suitable to give to a public school library. We had Carl Sommers on the broadcast too. Their website: http://www.advancepublishing.com/Author.html
See you at the library!
last minute: Looks like mother’s interest and latest news coincide today:
https://twitter.com/BraveBooksUS/status/1673326562035265537
American Library Association (to which virtually ever public librarian belongs) is trying to “queer the catalog” AND be sure that traditional Christian values are excluded. See report from Brave books.