The library choosing not to stock a book or book series at this time is not "censorship" any more than a TV station choosing to air one show over another is censorship. They can't stock/ air them all, so choices have to be made. You claim others are determining what you read, right after you acknowledged that you read the books anyway.

The library system is very good around here, but it's semi-rural and doesn't stock even close to what is needed for the reading list for a classical high school history curriculum. We have to spring for books on Amazon that are considered classics.

Not sure what the disjointed AA/NA bit is about in terms of relevancy to your topic, but people can get them the old fashioned way and still just be trying to fool others.

It is censorship because the person who chose not to stock it said she did so BECAUSE of the content. That IS censorship!

You say, "How far have we really come as a country if someone else determines what we can or cannot read? Why do others get to decide what is appropriate reading material for me?" That statement is simply ridiculous and defies logic. No one is determining what you can or cannot read. No one is deciding what is appropriate reading material for you. You have complete freedom to go buy the books wherever they're sold. And I, as a taxpayer, have the right not to be forced to fund your taste for erotic books. No one is censoring what you read, they're simply refusing to pay for your selections. That's not censorship.

There seems to be quite a bit of interest in this book, and I personally know of a few women who have it on their Nook so as not to be ridiculed by others who might otherwise see them carrying the traditional book. If in fact the Harford County Library staff/decision makers opted not to order the book simply based on content, then that IS censorship and shame on those individuals. A book of "fictional mommy soft porn" is far from being in the same category as "Bomb Building at Home -- For Dummies." Get a grip, Harford conservatives...

What a "Non Issue!" Libraries should focus funds on children's books and reference books. Adults can pay for their own recreational reading.

So, AG... I presume you would be in favor of losing ALL or MOST fiction? How about the vast collection of practically every music genre? DVD's... let's not forget about those. Oh my gosh, I almost forgot about the magazines & periodicals. Maybe the money saved can be used to buy large metal barrels to burn everything that isn,t a childrens book or a reference book. But wait, what if a childrens book about homosexuality entitled "I Have Two Mommys\Daddys?" You still OK with childrens books?

Everyone has their own beliefs on censorship...I think that's been proven time and time again. Honestly my only opinion is that the library is just hurting themselves. I can honestly say I don't know a lot of people in my age range (21-25) that go to the library for books...that was something they thought to do as kids, but don't even think twice now, that is until 50 Shades of Grey came out and every female I knew wanted to get their hands on it to read what it's all about. The library could have won back some of these peolpe and showed them how valuable the public library is, but instead they are just forcing peolpe to go somewhere else to read it.

It is what it is. There are going to people people that complain about everything and anything. I just think if the library wants to change with the times and keep the current generations using their libraries they should have thought about this a little more....

AG....so if the library should focus on children's books and reference books, we should just get rid of ALL of the other books..that makes sense. What about the adults that can't afford to go out and buy their own books whenever they want them because they just paid $600 for their books in college....the library is supposed to appeal to all- not just one particular age range.

Instead of complaining, why don’t you start up a collection to buy this pig book for the library system and make a donation?

I’m pretty sure the library is on a fixed book buying budget and can’t buy every single book that is printed each year. If you’re so concerned about everyone’s right to read porn, start a collection and donate enough copies of this book so everyone in the county can get their porn fix for the summer.

You're exactly right the library can't buy every single book each year that's printed- no one is arguing with you on that one, but you would think they would buy the most popular ones- that's my only point.

Also, it's 2012 people....times are changing- get over it.

I don’t even understand your logic for going on the internet and buying the Alcoholics' Anonymous and Narcotics Anonymous chips. Yes, you have the right to be a fake. Instead of going on the Internet to buy Alcoholics' Anonymous and Narcotics Anonymous chips, you also have the right to use that same money to buy this book. The library and the government are not stopping you.

Instead of worrying about 50 Shades of Grey, this book might be more useful for you based on the argument you presented here:
http://library.hcplonline.org/polaris/search/searchresults.aspx?ctx=3.1033.0.0.1&type=Browse&term=art%20of%20critical%20thinking&by=TI&sort=TI&limit=TOM=*&query=MTE=%2717449%27&page=0

Did I demand someone to pay for my entertainment? Wait...let me check, nope pretty sure no demands were made on my part for anyone to pay anything for me. I simply stated my opinion on what I thought a library's purpose was, becuase I thought people were aloud to have their own opinions and state them on a blog...oh wait, is that too radical too??

Opinions are great- I love opinions, which is why I continue to view and write on this blog.

Thanks for the link...I've read plenty on true censorship (which is why you'll see I never agreed that the library is practicing "censorship")

"Most popular" in what way? It's not just money, it's space. I don't think they have a responsibility to cater to every fad as one would if they were buying for a retail outlet. There are plenty of commercial book sellers for that who can buy enough for demand and sell them. When someone is making decisions with our tax dollars, they're being responsible if they want the ones that will still have mass appeal and relevance several years from now. I assume that's why a lot of political and current events type books don't make it there. If it proves to be more than a flash in the pan it should be stocked. Libraries who are trying to keep up with this and other fads are often buying 1,500 copies or more of the same book. What will they do with them in two years? Is it the tax payer's job of library funding to scratch every itch associated with an entitlement mentality, or stock the ones that have or are likely to stand the test of time?

"The lady doth protest too much, methinks."

I'm with AG all the way. Tax dollars should not pay for those types of books or movie DVDs. I can think of a 100 other uses for that money.

They don't have the book at the branches, it IS available for electronic borrowing. Everyone needs to get their panties out of a twist. If you want to read the book so bad go buy it.

What makes me most upset about this issue that people who oppose the library's decision not carry this book, are quick to label it censorship, and claim the library is banning books, let me make this point clear, THIS IS NOT CENSORSHIP, BECAUSE NO ONE IS STOPPING OR PROHIBITING ANYONE FROM READING THIS BOOK. Censorship is a very hot word that evokes emotion in this country that has been used by critics and the media to sensationalize this issue. Censorship would be if the county government made it illegal to sell or posses this book. Apparently the author of this article and the rest of you who claim this is censorship, have not read the multiple stories on the subject or have chosen to ignore that fact that the library decided not to buy this book because it did not meet the selection policy established by the Library board of directors, most importantly being that reviews both professional and popular have spoken of the poor quality of the writing in this book in addition to the pornograph subject nature of the books. This book began as a blog, where the writer wrote her interposition of sexual encounters using the characters from the Twilight books. Are there other books in the library that have sex and violence and these subjects have been the subject of stories since before stories were written down, however the book is just a series of graphic depictions of sex acts strung together with a poorly written plot.

Someone has to decide which books to purchase. The only thing I take from this is that Jill Bracewell wants to be the one to draw the line between appropriate and inappropriate, rather than those who actually work at the library.

Haters gona hate...

I am loving all of the comments this blog has created. Let me make one thing clear, I do NOT view this book as pornographic, nor do I approve of "porn" of any kind. There are no vulgar descriptive words of human anatomy in the books, and while the scenarios may be a bit much for some people, for others, they are not. I am not asking anyone to "fund my taste for erotic books", but simply stating my opinion that I feel it is wrong for any person/persons to decide what a free library will or will not allow me, as an adult, to borrow.
I do appreciate all of your comments!

I really couldn't care or less if the library carries any book. If I want any book they do not carry I will go and purchase it.
The only reason I think this book has gotten so much hoopla everywhere in the media is that it is a best seller that talks openly about sex. Many, many folks are uncomfortable talking about sex in any context.

i think everyone that purchaces these 3 books should be sure to pass them on to their friends that want a good read, it is 2012 , maybe it will spice up some of your lives . happy husbons - happy wives

Jill Bracewell has a hidden agenda on every blog. Perhaps she should use some of her money she receives from the state and splurge for her own book. Better yet..use that money to spend time on the computer putting together a resume to get out there and get a job...then she could buy her own books. Expecting the county, state or federal government to pay for everything for everyone is disgusting.

Your second paragraph is indicative of just what levels you will go to in order to harass and bully others. Try visiting the library and seeking books about PARENTAL ALIENATION...though knowing your history you could write the book yourself...

Omg seriously people? Apparently most of you never even read it. The book is FAR from porn and was so poorly written it made it hard to even read. It was narrated by a girl who sounded like she was 12. I honestly have no idea how it even got popular because the first book kept me as interested as watching paint dry would. Second book will never be touched with these hands of mine. The library should ban it for the hundred times she makes a reference to her inner goddess or him commenting on her biting her lip. Ban it for just being an incredibly horrible book not it's laughable porn.

Book 3 was a disappointment. Wings, I agree with what you said, the inner goddess and lip biting repeating every other page was overkill. But, now that I have read it, I think I will go back to Patricia Cornwell's "Scarpetta" novels....much more enjoyable!
Thank you to everyone for all of your comments! Wondering what my next controversial blog will be about...

Thank you for the "insight" regarding my desire to "incite" a situation. ....I know they do have dictionaries, etc. for free in the library. It would sound like your response is a bit threatening to me...If you put yourself out here on a blog for all of the area to read then please develop a thicker skin when people question your motives.

We-miss-nj....there really is no need for name calling. If your comment was directed at me, it's rude and uncalled for. I actually do spend quite a bit of time reading and I have read many things on censorship- which is why you will note that I NEVER said this is censorship...so you can feel free to read into my comments however you want and insist I'm saying things I'm not saying..but as someone who likes to debate with peolpe, it's done much better without attacking others and calling them names.

This author of this blog would assume that every book, magazine, or other published materials must be purchased by the citizens of Harford County so that she can view whatever it is for free otherwise it's censorship. Wonder if she'd help pitch in for the enormous building we'd need to construct just for the room to house what would amount to the contents within the Library of Congress. What utter and completely, illogical nonsense. Common sense for which she apparently has zero as she's doubled down on the entire assinine concept a few times here, suggests just the lack of space alone requires a reasonable filtering process.

regarding second paragraph of blog...for the author's information...times have changed, computers have changed the world (in case you didn't notice)
.....Weight Watchers Online - a friend lost 30 lbs using this site
.....online education courses - another friend earned a master's degree online
....AAonline - a friend uses this site for his sobriety

are you actually implying that these sites are false? are wrong? are invalid simply because they happen online??? to questions someone's integrity in regards to the many, many, many websites available for help is not only ignorant it is arrogant..

This thread is a joke. The library has much more offensive books right this moment. Read I Hope They Serve Beer In Hell by Tucker Maxx. Now this is an offensive book and literally piss your pants funny. Stop hating.

Matt, great book!