Offended library patron seizes sex-ed books

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Offended library patron seizes sex-ed book
A Lewiston woman won't return two copies of 'It's Perfectly Normal,' which she calls 'abnormal.'

LEWISTON — A Lewiston woman who is upset at the content of an acclaimed sex education book published 14 years ago has checked out copies from two libraries and refused to give them back.

"Since I have been sufficiently horrified of the illustrations and the sexually graphic, amoral abnormal contents, I will not be returning the books," Joan Karkos wrote to the Lewiston and Auburn public libraries last month.

Each letter was accompanied by a check for $20.95 to cover the cost of the book, "It's Perfectly Normal: Changing Bodies, Growing Up, Sex & Sexual Health."

"This has never happened before," said Rick Speer, director of the Lewiston Public Library. "It is clearly theft."

Speer returned the check, along with a form that Karkos could use to request that the book be removed from library shelves. He said he may seek help from police if she doesn't return what she borrowed.

"That's really what we want," Speer said. "We want the book back."

What is wrong with these people that they feel the need to steal? It's theft for crying out loud! Do they not see the ridiculousness of stealing something to (supposedly) increase morality?
Boggles the mind how warped these people are and how much of a busybody one has to be to do this!

:sigh:

Hope the library presses charges.

[MountainLaurel]

1. This happens so often

Apparently it's a new tactic for those who would like to imprison information. In Miami something similar has been happening with a children's book about Cuba, with folks checking out the books and not returning them.

Well, Karkos's plan has backfired, because not only have the libraries replaced both copies, but her stunt has drawn attention to the book across the country. I had two library patrons today tell me they had gone out and bought the book after reading about the situation up the road.

And, all of this is just in time for Banned Books Week. :evilgrin: