Library displays across the city are now subject to a new approval process from the library system’s central regional manager.
The new process surfaced last week after several community members took to social media platforms such as Reddit and Facebook, questioning why book displays were empty at different library locations. These posts coincided with the observance of Banned Books Week across the country.
A Facebook user named Kristy DA posted a picture of an empty book display at Benjamin L. Hooks Central Library, questioning its appearance.
“According [to] some inside sources, [the shelves are empty] because the city has ordered all displays taken down and decreed that any new displays must be approved,” a user named Kristy DA said on Facebook. “This level of censorship has become the norm under the current regime, but I expect better of my city.”
A spokesperson for the city of Memphis confirmed that the displays were removed as the city “revamps” the approval process to have more “consistent display strategies across” their 18 locations.
The city issued the following statement:
“Our management team has been working closely with staff to implement the new policy as quickly as possible, as the empty displays have raised questions. This new process marks a change for staff, as it is the first time we’ve required regional manager approval for department and branch displays.
“We’ll continue working with our team to help them understand the importance of the new policy. At the Benjamin L Hooks Central Library, displays are back up. There will be no further comment on library operations. “
Members of the Memphis Public Libraries Workers United (MPL-WU), who do not speak on behalf of the city nor Memphis Public Libraries, said while they navigate these new policies, they are committed to the American Library Association’s (ALA) Core Values of Librarianship.
“We understand it to be our responsibility as library workers to provide free and equal access to all information and resources our patrons need,” the union said in a statement emailed to the Flyer. “Though the new policies implemented by the city of Memphis may limit our ability to meet these needs — just as the ongoing reduction of available resources has — MPL-WU will continue to speak out for library workers and fight for the protections we need to advocate fully for our patrons.”
“Our core values are for the people who make libraries work, not the buildings they reside in or the American Library Association itself,” the ALA’s website reads.
“These values uphold access, equity, intellectual freedom and privacy, public good, and sustainability.”