Homeschooling parents, gather around; there’s an important concern that demands your attention – your local public library. In this post, we’ll delve deeper into the reasons why you need to exercise caution when it comes to what your children may encounter in these hallowed halls of books.
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Please be mindful that the content discussed here might not be suitable for children under 13, so we strongly advise parents to watch this information first before deciding whether to share it with their teenagers.
If you prefer to watch this, I’ve made a video of this page below.
The Evolution of Public Libraries
Once upon a time, libraries were considered sanctuaries of knowledge, places where parents could confidently entrust their children’s curious minds to explore a world of imagination and learning.
Children’s sections were meticulously curated with books designed to both entertain and educate.
Classics like “The Incredible Journey” and “The Mouse and the Motorcycle” were cherished by young readers, while older children ventured into thought-provoking works like “Fahrenheit 451” and “1984.”
I have a personal connection to this topic that stretches back to my own homeschooled childhood.
I cherished my visits to the library, and my mother used to accompany me, letting me roam the shelves believing it was a safe haven.
However, when I was a mere nine years old, I stumbled upon a book that featured explicit content – a “positions” book.
No child should ever have to confront such material, and those disturbing images remain indelibly etched in my memory.
Today, libraries have undergone a transformation, and not necessarily for the better.
In this article, we’ll explore why your children might not be as safe as you might assume when they visit the children’s section of your local public library.
The Rainbow Flag Controversy
As you step into many public libraries nowadays, you might encounter a rainbow flag proudly displayed.
It’s important to clarify that the flag itself is not the issue; it symbolizes a significant shift in the content available.
You may also come across tables adorned with signs that read, “Not for Parents,” housing books that could potentially raise concerns.
Among the titles featured on these tables, you might find a book depicting a little girl tucking her two daddies into bed and another displaying a cartoon character promoting gender equality.
There are even books aimed at young boys, offering advice on relationships, and books depicting same-sex couples with children, all designed to normalize and celebrate these situations.
Controversial Content Beyond Sexuality
The concerns don’t stop at explicit sexual content.
Libraries now stock books that challenge traditional religious values.
For instance, there’s “Who’s Who Bible: Everything You Need to Know About the Old and New Testaments” by National Geographic, presenting a perspective on religious texts that might not align with conservative beliefs.
Additionally, libraries house books discussing topics like evolution, global warming, and environmental conservation while seemingly neglecting materials related to Christian values.
This imbalance in content raises questions about the diversity of ideas available to young readers.
Challenges to Faith and Spirituality
For Christian parents, the library can present a significant threat to your child’s faith.
Books like “I am a Warrior Goddess” promote spiritual ideologies that may not align with your family’s beliefs.
Furthermore, libraries stock books on witchcraft and the occult, which can be deeply troubling for parents who hold conservative religious values.
Influence on Older Children
It’s not just younger children who can be influenced by library materials.
Older kids are exposed to a myriad of twisted fantasy and romance novels that may contain explicit content unsuitable for their age.
Watch Your Kids: The Landscape is Changing…
The landscape of public libraries has evolved over the years, and not necessarily in ways that align with the values many homeschooling parents hold dear.
While libraries remain valuable resources for education and entertainment, it’s essential to be acutely aware of the materials they offer and to guide your children’s choices accordingly.
Homeschooling parents, consider yourselves forewarned.
To ensure that your children’s education aligns with your values, it’s crucial not to rely solely on the library as a tool for homeschooling.
Moreover, exercise discernment when selecting homeschooling curriculum materials.
If you have cherished memories of a favorite childhood book, we invite you to share them in the comments section below.
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If you find yourself in need of homeschooling assistance, do explore our comprehensive Homeschool Parenting Program, accessible here.
Your children’s education is a journey of paramount importance, and making informed choices at every step is essential to their growth and development.
While you’re at it, perhaps warn your children away from books promoting racial equality
It’s not that there’s anything wrong with equality. It’s what gets slipped in behind it that a lot of people object to. God made man (ALL men) in His image. No black, white, red or yellow skinned person should be superior. Unfortunately, these days, in a fight for ‘equality’ we have certain races being promoted with more rights than others. That just isn’t fair.