I would hazard to say that censorship and challenging books likely dates back to the first scratchings we consider writing.

Books have been challenged, burned, locked away, taken off shelves ande placed under librarian's chairs since libraries came into being.

Books have a curious power to divide, irriate, inflame, infect and otherwise permeate culture.

Being raised as I was by two English majors and reading addicts, I admit I have a hard time understanding the other side of this debate. However, throughout this project, I intend to at least try. I may not agree in the end but I like to think I can have an open mind and at least listen (and read) what the other side has to say.

I'm tipping my hat today to Sara Hussein of the AFP. This article appeared over the weekend, discussing the backlash from libraries over challenges to their holdings. For the full article, click here.

I really applaud Hussein as a reporter as I think she balances the view taken by the American Library Association (the force behind Banned Books Week and such advocacy) with the concerns of groups that challenge books. I am particularly taken with the point made by Dan Kleinman, who runs the site safelibraries.org, a resource for book challenges.

From my vantage point (and Hussein's article has given me several avenues to explore, including Kleinman's site), I think he makes an intelligent, reasonable point.

I will be interested to see what terrain makes up this debate. While I'm sure there will be zealotry on both sides, it may be the middle provides the more thoughtprovoking questions.

Read on and we'll see.