Dump offensive books or leave it up to readers? Libraries grapple with Dr. Seuss controversy.
Updated Mar 03, 2021;
Citing offensive imagery, the company that owns Dr. Seuss’ catalog will cease publication of six of his books a decision that’s ignited a firestorm of criticism that has put New Jersey’s libraries in a tough spot.
“We would consider removing them to be a form of censorship,” Peter Coyl, Director of the Montclair Public Library, told NJ Advance Media. “Removing something because you don’t agree with its viewpoint or depictions isn’t something libraries should do.”
Dr. Seuss Enterprises, the company dedicated to overseeing the author-illustrator’s legacy, said it decided to stop licensing the books, including “And to Think That I Saw It on Mulberry Street” and “If I Ran the Zoo,” after working with a panel of experts to review their catalog last year.
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