Talk of banning books resurfaces as literacy advocates mark an important milestone

PROVIDENCE, RI (WLNE) — In the coming weeks, children across the country and here in Rhode Island return to school with some learning new things and others carefully honing their reading skills.

“Literacy is one of those basic skills that we know people need to be successful, not just in school, but in life in general,” said Aimee Falso.

Falso is the nonprofit’s executive director Touch and read Rhode Island (RORRI).

They celebrate their 25th anniversary of integrating literacy into children’s lifestyle at an early age.

“They’re going to be better prepared going into kindergarten having physically held a book, and learning how to work their way through a book before they get to school will put them on a great path to success,” Falso said.

pediatrics research shows that over 35% of children enter kindergarten without the skills they need for a lifetime of learning.

Through their partnership with local clinicsRORRI annually offers a lot of books on a variety of appropriate topics.

“Last year we ended up providing about a hundred thousand books, which means there were 100,000 opportunities where a provider talked to the family about the importance of literacy.” Falso said.

But variety isn’t always enthusiastically embraced.

“ABA, the one American Library Association“I think it put out over 42,000 books last year that were banned,” he said Carew PapritzAwards author and literacy advocate.

“We need to find some light in a situation where there seems to be a lot of darkness with the book ban,” he said.

“If you ban books, I’m telling you, kids will go and say, ‘Why are you banning these books, they must be good because an adult says no.’

Papritz shared some insight into why book banning is something we hear more about every year.

“We’re trying to quote to protect our children,” he said, referring to those who favor banning the books.

“But I think we’re not protecting them, because what we’re trying to do is stifle knowledge, we’re trying to stifle learning, we’re trying to stifle openness to information,” he continued.

It is a topic recently addressed during a Newport Public Schools committee meeting, as residents voiced their opinions on LGBTQ+ policies and books in schools.

“I don’t know if I should be flattered or upset by the number of people who came out tonight to tell us book banners,” said Amy Rodrigues, president Mom for Liberty Washington County Chapter.

“As far as I know, I haven’t banned a single book. My organization has not banned a single book. You can buy the book, find the book, read it to your kids if you want. There is a difference between curation and banning,” said Rodrigues.

But teachers like Anna Kimes and other leaders pushed back. “It seems like a no-brainer to me that banning books in public schools is not a good idea,” Kimes said, emphasizing what she calls the right to read.

“This right belongs to both children and adults. The Supreme Court has recognized that the First Amendment protects students’ rights to receive information and express ideas,” Kimes said.

Efforts to ban books Rhode Islands Legislature failed last year and the year before that though more attempts could be on the way here and across the country, especially in regards to LGBTQ+ rights.

But one thing students, parents, and educators can do in the meantime is take the time to make sure that no matter what you’re reading, you’re making reading a priority.

“The earlier the child is introduced to this, the better foundation they will have,” Falso said.