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Public library has no plans to pull Seuss titles from shelves as of yet

Bay Used Books says there’s been a run on six titles Dr. Seuss Enterprises will stop publishing

Bay Used Books in Sudbury was busy this past week thanks to an announcement by Dr. Seuss Enterprises, and more than a few misconceptions about that announcement.

First things first. 

“The big misconception is that Dr. Seuss is being banned altogether,” said Cory Gaudette, who’s worked at the used bookstore for the last five years. “We have to keep repeating that they’re not being banned. It’s just six books that are no longer being published.”

Dr. Seuss Enterprises, the company that manages the author’s legacy, released a statement on March 2, coinciding with the birthday celebrations of Dr. Seuss himself, Theodor Seuss Geisel.

In it, they detailed their commitment to celebrating literacy, as well as “our mission of supporting all children and families with messages of hope, inspiration, inclusion, and friendship.”

“To that end,” reads the statement, “Dr. Seuss Enterprises, working with a panel of experts, including educators, reviewed our catalog of titles and made the decision last year to cease publication and licensing of the following titles: And to Think That I Saw It on Mulberry Street, If I Ran the Zoo, McElligot’s Pool, On Beyond Zebra!, Scrambled Eggs Super!, and The Cat’s Quizzer. These books portray people in ways that are hurtful and wrong.”

But even though the statement was released officially on a Tuesday, the people of Sudbury must have had an inside view, Gaudette said. 

“It kind of started on Monday. We had a few inquiries, people who were ahead of the trend,” he said. “But then it really started on Tuesday.”

Gaudette figures about 10 emails have come into the Elm Street used book store, and six calls by last Thursday, as well as walk-ins. 

“And then first thing this morning (March 5), five emails in the inbox and more people walking in asking for them. I think I've had three people walk in and ask for them.”

While many of the calls are to inquire about copies hoping to complete collections or get in on a new investment opportunity, other contacts have been from those who simply want to know what the fuss is about.

“They say, ‘We’re not really interested in the books. We just want to know what’s in them’,” Gaudette said.

If you’re wondering about the books as well and you are prepared to deal with any stereotypical depictions and the guidance that comes with them, you can find them at the Sudbury Public Library.

Mary Seale, co-ordinator of Library Collections for the Greater Sudbury Public Library (GSPL), would also like to mention the Dr. Seuss books have not been banned, only that “the publishing company has decided to cease publishing.”

Seale says GSPL regularly reviews their collection. 

“On a regular basis, we definitely put it through a lens of diversity,” she said. “I know that our children’s librarian is right on the mark when it comes to this. As far as I know, she has not made any plans to pull them from the shelf.”

She also notes that if there are materials within the library collections that a Sudburian feels is inappropriate, there are remedies for that. 

“We have a form called the reconsideration of library materials,” said Seale. “And we take it very seriously. First, the collections librarians that are involved in the process, we look at what the official literature says — book reviews, for example. We're definitely aware of what is being said about the Dr. Seuss books. 

“We then respond back to the patron with our decisions, and then it depends on if that is acceptable to the person who asked for the reconsideration. If it is not, then it's taken to the library board.”

You’ll certainly find more of the Dr. Seuss collection at the library, but until a few more copies come in, Bay Used Books is sold out.

"You will not find it at Bay Used Books,

"You will not find it wherever you look.

"(Did I end this with a rhyme? Yes, I did, do it all the time!)"

(I’ll see myself out.)

Jenny Lamothe is a Local Journalism Reporter at Sudbury.com. She covers the Black, immigrant, Indigenous and Francophone communities. She is also a freelance writer and voice actor.


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Jenny Lamothe, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

About the Author: Jenny Lamothe, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

Jenny Lamothe is a Local Journalism Initiative reporter at Sudbury.com.
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