How are parents responding to library book removals?

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Parents Advocate for Choice in Response to Library Book Removals

Hundreds of parents, children, writers, and artists gathered at the National Library Building atrium for an event called "Let’s Read Together!" to express their dissent against the National Library Board's (NLB) decision to remove three children's titles. The event, attended by approximately 400 people, served as a platform for individuals to voice their belief that parents should retain the primary authority over what their children read, rather than the library system.
Event Highlights Importance of Diverse Literature

The "Let’s Read Together!" event was organised to make a "peaceful statement" and underscore the value of children's literature in fostering an understanding of diverse experiences and circumstances. Two of the books that were made available at the event were And Tango Makes Three and Who’s In My Family?: All About Our Families, which were among the titles withdrawn by the NLB due to complaints that they were not pro-family. Organisers obtained the necessary police permit and permission from the NLB to use the atrium for the gathering.
Concerns Over Book Pulping and Artistic Withdrawals

Further controversy arose from the revelation that the withdrawn books were slated to be pulped, a decision that intensified the backlash. In response to the NLB's actions, playwright and novelist Ovidia Yu resigned from the steering committee of the Singapore Writers Festival. Additionally, four writers — Dr Gwee Li Sui, Adrian Tan, Prem Anand, and Felix Cheong — withdrew from an NLB panel discussion, leading to its cancellation.
Parental Rights and Individual Choice Emphasised

Attendees at the event expressed a strong sentiment that parental rights should supersede library policies in determining reading materials for children. Priscilla Liu, an associate director, stated that the decision on whether children learn about topics such as homosexuality should rest with parents, not the library. Freelance marketing consultant Shi Xiao Wei echoed this by purchasing a withdrawn copy of And Tango Makes Three, asserting her belief in exposing children to various materials with appropriate context and explanation, rather than imposing restrictions.
Counterpoint of Support for NLB Decision

While the event highlighted opposition to the book removals, an online letter in support of the NLB's decision garnered over 25,000 signatures. Organisers of this supporting letter indicated their intention to forward it to the authorities as a token of appreciation for the NLB's actions.

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How are parents responding to library book removals?

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