To censor DCs reading?

[Notmytelescope]

The local library has contacted me to ask if I am happy that DC12 borrow certain books - the titles they wanted to borrow are from ‘teen fiction’ and according to the librarian are aimed at older readers.

DC is an avid bookworm who can read several paper backs a week so the library is a regular haunt which they often go to independently.

Ive always been fairly relaxed about what they read- steering them towards certain books and authors when I think they might be able to appreciate them - but equally they have worked their way around out bookshelves at home…

I have encouraged them to stop ready if they find a book is upsetting and to ask if they read about something that they don’t understand but AIBU to be so relaxed when a librarian has had to ask my permission to let DC access certain book?

Our library has checks in place, certain books can't be taken out with a children's card, I think they are deemed 15 and over.

I wouldn't mind as we always had a frank and open discussion about books but I then got them with my card for her.

I wouldn't worry too much, it may just be a blanket rule and in a way approbriate as there is a lot out there I wouldn't have wanted a pre-teen to read.

It’s fine. I had the same as a teen and they upgraded me to an adult library card
i read, and read and read and mum recommended(!) flowers in the attic (!)
all giving me access to adult books did was make me read more

I remember when the local library banned my friend who was 11 from reading Forever by Judy Blume. Her mum had to get it out for her 🤣

The thing with books, is we're limited to the parameters of our own knowledge and imaginations. Stuff we don't really understand just gets dismissed over by our brains. It's not like watching a film where we're at the mercy of someone else's imagination.

I wouldn't really ban books. If they're too hard to read we lose interest quite quickly.

Nope, I have never censored any reading. I started reading Stephen King when I was 12.

My library did this. We had to wait there for a few hours after school. I’m a quick reader and it was a little library. Small pre internet 90s town so they hardly had anything hardcore! They (older ladies) were concerned that I’d read Danielle Steele, which I had, but mainly to critique it. 30 years later I am unscathed.

The only thing I would be wary of is books glamourising the trans agenda (of which there are plenty). I'd try and have a quick skim read or Google the books before letting them read them tbh. Otherwise I'm generally of the view reading of any sort is fine and if it's too old for them they'll probably get bored and not finish it.

The kid is reading and not on a screen - encourage it !!

I read The Thorn Birds at age 13, with my mother’s knowledge. She was brought up in Ireland where many books were banned and was very anti censorship. I also read Flowers in the Attic and Danielle Steele. Did me no harm despite the huge gulf between what I was reading and my daily lived experiences.

Reading material and friendships are the two aspects of my DD’s life I chose never to interfere in - there for guidance (which she sought regularly) but she was allowed complete freedom. I have no regrets.

I wouldn’t censor anything from the teens section for a 12 year old. The only thing I wouldn’t want them reading is erotic fiction but that would be in the adults section anyway I would hope!

It's great that a child is reading for fun. Surely it's far safer than being online?

You'd hope so, but I always remember that my high school library (early 2000s, NZ) had Danielle Steele, Jean M. Auel, and Diana Gabaldon in it, with no restrictions on who could read them! 🫣

It didn't seem to do me any harm, though.