I originally came to this forum to complain about the preponderance of Christian fiction at GEPL. I have had multiple times where I've taken out a fiction book that looks interesting, then spent an hour or so reading it only to realize that it's a sermon disguised as a novel. I wish a. the library would not spend taxpayers dollars on advancing a particular religion, or b. would label them as such (like it does 'mystery' or 'science fiction')so I can avoid them.

Now, granted, there's nothing wrong with Christian values etc. but I spent 17 years in faith based schools and figure I've got nothing new to learn on that front!

I just want some indication that the book in question is 'Christian' lit, so I can avoid it. I don't have too much problem with the library stocking a limited array of all ideologies since presumably some of my GE neighbors are interested in it.

Why not risk walking into the computer room and look up a review of the book on the internet first?

In a bookstore, Christian lit will have its own section. Perhaps suggest to the library that they do the same? (I don't know, but are mysteries shelved separately, and romance, and so on? It's been a while since I've checked something out.)

However, Christian lit is one of the few areas of fiction that are actually growing in readership these days, so don't look for it to go away anytime soon.

quote:

Originally posted by GE Mom:
I originally came to this forum to complain about the preponderance of Christian fiction at GEPL. I have had multiple times where I've taken out a fiction book that looks interesting, then spent an hour or so reading it only to realize that it's a sermon disguised as a novel. I wish a. the library would not spend taxpayers dollars on advancing a particular religion, or b. would label them as such (like it does 'mystery' or 'science fiction')so I can avoid them.

Now, granted, there's nothing wrong with Christian values etc. but I spent 17 years in faith based schools and figure I've got nothing new to learn on that front!

In regards to a), shall we remove the monthly Islam = Peace displays as soon as you walk up the stairs into the adult area (I think this month's display was Haaj - Journey of a lifetime)?

My guess is that the library is responding to patron requests or interest. I would assume and hope that they track, anonymously, the checkout rates of certain book types/subjects and base their purchases in part on that information. One of the benefits of the computer system I'd guess. Perhaps Ted could support or shoot down that supposition. But they may be giving the people what they want. Perhaps, dare I say it, those shocked/offended by religion as a part of everyday life are in the minority. It's freedom of, not from, religion.

In regards to b), how far does one go in labeling books and who does the labeling? Spiritual profiling? I'm sure we'd all be shocked and aghast if they established a gay/lesbian studies section, like the bookstores, and set it up as an adjunct of the adults only internet/peep show room, equipped with privacy curtains and washable keyboards.

Yes, the popularity of titles is tracked. Books that have not been taken out for months go away. Popular titles generate more in the same genre.

I read the Amish fiction by beverly something or other and never would have tried them if they were hidden in a christian section cause no way is christian fiction cool man...not to mention I'm not really a believer like that...but now I'm addicted to her books!

Ted, Off topic...If you donate say, a NEW book to the library that is popular at the bookstore and the library doesn't have it already, nor do they have it on order, and it NEVER makes it to the shelves...what the heck happened to it? I also donated a book on c.d. that hasn't been released in the US yet and wasn't easy to come by. I donated it because the library has the whole australian series except for this newest continuation and thought it would be nice to share. It has also never surfaced.

I may be wrong but...

To the best of my recollection, there is no attempt to match donated books to on-shelf inventory. Everything goes into storage in the basement and then gets sold at the annual Friends of the Library book sale.

Wow. I guess I can believe it. I should have asked before I donated. From now on if I want to read it again I'll keep it on MY bookshelf.

Oh, No, Ted! So when I checked out these sermons-disguised-as-novels I unwittingly contributed to the purchase of more of them!