(Letter to the Editor - Graphic Illustration/MetroCreativeConnection)

As a pastor, husband, father, grandfather and concerned citizen of this great city, I am sad to see that this issue has morphed into something much more than what was intended.

The clear intention that I and many other citizens have, is for our Wood County library system to simply protect the innocent. Meaning, that the director and staff of our libraries should ensure the protection of minors from all materials deemed inappropriate for their age level. Particularly, I refer to materials in the library that are sexually explicit. (All illustrated or picture displays of sex in not just one singled out title but all titles, nor just one particular type of sexual preference but all sexual scenarios).

I have to believe that the majority of the people in this great city and county, no matter what their political affiliation, gender persuasion, religious or non-religious stance, will agree, that it is of paramount importance to protect the innocent of our society. Our constitutional liberties were never designed to overrule moral decency and protection of our youngest, most vulnerable citizens.

Unfortunately, there have been extreme views and agendas on both sides of this issue that has fostered attitudes of hate, name calling and animosity. These extreme attitudes and actions are neither productive nor conducive to a resolution fitting for the current situation. It has blurred the focus on the greater good of protecting our innocent ones in our community.

The library is a valuable resource in our community. Yes, it must provide for the preferences for a wide variety of readers and patrons.

But in the name of common sense and decency we, as concerned citizens, ask that the director and staff please institute perimeters around materials that would limit these materials from being readily available to children.

It has been said that no one has filed an official form at the library to voice their complaint about a particular book or books. There may not have been the use of the official form but complaints have been made by patrons in person. In each reported instance, when a complaint or concern was made known to library staff, they were told this is what the community wants. Furthermore, staffers did nothing to take their complaints serious, validate their concerns nor present them with any type of compromise. There was never any mention of any official form to voice their complaint.

I respect your right to free speech and freedom of the press. I am not advocating a book ban nor a book burning. No, but what I and many other citizens are requesting is that our library choose the moral high ground and move to ensure that our innocent and most vulnerable patrons are protected from any materials that would be deemed restrictive adult content.

Dan Stevens

Parkersburg