In light of a London high school’s controversial decision to remove over 10,000 books from its library, some archivists and librarians are discussing methods to preserve outdated books. The H.B. Beal Secondary School in London discarded a significant number of titles between January and March last year, sparking a debate on censorship.
Former Beal librarian Larry Farquharson, who chose not to participate in the book removal process and has since retired, expressed concerns about the removal of books dictating individuals’ reading choices. The Thames Valley District School Board (TVDSB) explained that the book cull at Beal was part of a standard library collection review, focusing on factors such as age, condition, circulation, and content relevance.
Following public outcry, Ontario’s Ministry of Education has decided to pause further school library reviews. Meanwhile, librarians like Deborah Meert-Williston from Western University suggest alternative methods to preserve old books, such as donating them to academic institutions or museums.
In response to the ongoing debate, Anne O’Sullivan, the public service manager at London Public Library, emphasized the necessity of regular book purging to make room for new additions. O’Sullivan highlighted the importance of maintaining historical books and artifacts, even those with potentially sensitive or outdated themes.
Ultimately, experts stress the significance of preserving old books as valuable historical artifacts, underscoring the importance of maintaining a diverse and inclusive collection.