Hempfield Area posts lists of library books before purchase following approval of new policy

Following the approval of new district policies governing library resource materials, Hempfield Area School District posted an expansive list of books being considered for purchase at each of its libraries online Saturday.

The books, ranging from elementary school books about animals to National Book Award-winning novels, will be listed online until Sept. 19 before the libraries can purchase them.

According to new district rules, which school board members approved at a contentious board meeting last week, Hempfield must list requested books publicly for 30 calendar days before buying them, so that residents can read over the list and send in a form if they have concerns about the inclusion of any of the materials.

The form, linked on the webpage, asks respondents to specify their name, address, the school library and the book being cited. They must also note what specific part of the new administrative regulation they believe the book is not in compliance with.

Superintendent Tammy Wolicki said that anytime the district’s librarians request new books for purchase, the book titles will be posted online for 30 days.

A new online folder labeled with the date 30 days in advance will hold all of the purchase orders for the books. Once 30 days have passed, if there are no issues, the purchase orders will be processed.

“We decided to make sure we streamline it, (so) rather than retyping titles, we’re just taking the purchase orders and posting them here,” Wolicki said.

Titles for each book or resource and summaries for some are included in the documents, which are largely divided by school and by vendor.

If a parent has a complaint or concern about a book, they must submit it using the form before the 30 days are up. The school librarian, principal, and assistant superintendent will research the book to decide whether it is appropriate.

“If they say that the book meets the criteria that is outlined in (the policy), we will inform the individual that it is our decision to move forward with the purchase, and it will continue with all the others on that date to be ordered,” Wolicki said. “It’s pulling in a few other individuals to look at the title and the supporting documentation before it’s actually ordered.”

If the district decides to go ahead with buying the book, the person who submitted the concern form can still submit an informal request to reconsider the book once it is on the shelves.

If the district decides against buying the book, the person who submitted the concern form will be notified of the decision.

This first set of purchase orders is a particularly long list, as the majority of books are ordered at the beginning of the year, Wolicki explained. However, librarians can request books for purchase all year long, she said.

“Our librarians purchase books throughout the year because they want the children to have access to new literature all year,” she said. “This can happen frequently. I would not limit it to a specific time period. It could be more than monthly.”