Is it OK to run an illegal library from my locker at school?

Question

Let me explain.

I go to a private school that is rather strict. Recently, the principal and school teacher council released a (very long) list of books we're not allowed to read. I was absolutely appalled, because a large number of the books were classics and others that are my favorites. One of my personal favorites, The Catcher in the Rye, was on the list, so I decided to bring it to school to see if I would really get in trouble. Well... I did but not too much. Then (surprise!) a boy in my English class asked if he could borrow the book, because he heard it was very good AND it was banned! This happened a lot and my locker got to overflowing with the banned books, so I decided to put the unoccupied locker next to me to a good use. I now have 62 books in that locker, about half of what was on the list. I took care only to bring the books with literary quality. Some of these books are:

>The Perks of Being a Wallflower
>His Dark Materials trilogy
>Sabriel
>The Canterbury Tales
>Candide
>The Divine Comedy
>Paradise Lost
>The Godfather
>Mort
>Interview with the Vampire
>The Hunger Games
>The Hitchhikers Guide to the Galaxy
>A Connecticut Yankee in King Arthur's Court
>Animal Farm
>The Witches
>Shade's Children
>The Evolution of Man
> the Holy Qu'ran
... and lots more.

Anyway, I now operate a little mini-library that no one has access to but myself. Practically a real library, because I keep an inventory log and give people due dates and everything. I would be in so much trouble if I got caught, but I think it's the right thing to do because before I started, almost no kid at school but myself took an active interest in reading! Now not only are all the kids reading the banned books, but go out of their way to read anything they can get their hands on. So I'm doing a good thing, right? Oh, and since you're probably wondering "Why can't you just go to a local library and check out the books?" most of the kids are too chicken or their parents won't let them but the books. I think that people should have open minds. Most of the books were banned because they contained information that opposed Catholisism. I limit my 'library' to only the sophmores, juniors and seniors just in case so you can't say I'm exposing young people to materiel they're not mature enough for. But is what I'm doing wrong because parents and teachers don't know about it and might not like it, or is it a good thing because I am starting appreciation of the classics and truly good novels (Not just fad novels like Twilight) in my generation?

Additional Details

More books I have:
One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest
The Picture of Dorian Gray
Slaughterhouse-5
Lord of the Flies
Bridge to Terabithia
Catch-22
East of Eden
The Brothers Grimm Unabridged Fairytales.
...the list goes on.

Twilight is banned also, but I don't want that polluting my library.

As for getting the press involved, reporters are not allowed on campus. Besides, my parents would be so mad if they found out I was doing this.

Answer 1

Best Answer - Chosen by Asker

This is freaking fantastic. I can't even explain how amazing I think you are. Technically, you're breaking school rules and you could get into trouble for this "shady business" but I think it's well worth it. Keep doing it. Years from now, you'll be able to look back on this and go, "Man, was I cool." (Some of us can only say that for attempting to break a world record and failing.) I have so much respect for you and I don't even know you.

I can't really think of anything else to say so, for fear of me rambling stupidly on about how fantastic you are, I'm just going to end this now.

Just- good for you. Really. Good for you. :D

Edit: I do, however, agree with other suggestions to do things like keeping the books at home and doing something about the list so that they can't use them as evidence. Because as someone else said, one book might result in a detention but 62 books will definitely result in something like in-school suspension. Depending on whether you're willing to risk that (because if I'm not mistaken, colleges will be able to see this type of stuff) you should probably do something about that. Even if you keep going and colleges *do* see something about it, I doubt they'll be less than impressed by at least your determination. Either way, you're brave in doing this and smart if you haven't gotten caught- how long have you been doing this, again?

Asker's Rating:

Asker's Comment:

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Answer 2

That's a very...long list...Why would the Qu'ran be banned? Strange... I say, run it. It's for a good purpose--to get others to read. Your question sounded funny. ^.^

Please answer mine too. :)
http://answers.yahoo.com/question/index;…

Answer 3

You're brilliant; I love you. Seriously. You could get in trouble with your school, since it is a private school and they can do whatever they want, but I hope you will stand up for your decision.

Answer 4

that is sad that your school is denying you and your classmates the ability to read these great books. I hope you don't get caught but in all reality what are they gonna do? They will make you take the books home. They can not take them from you as they are personal property. good luck and way to rise up!

Answer 5

I think what you're doing is so cool, I wish I could run a library next to the abandoned locker next to me, but too bad it's already occupied by a dweeb who's never even heard of 1 book on your list, well maybe Bridge to Terabithia.

Keep going!

Answer 6

In short I think no.

Source(s):

work at local library

Answer 7

I'm really confused as to how some of these books oppose Catholicism. Animal Farm? Catch 22? This is fine. It is never wrong to stand up for what you believe in, and on this one I completely agree with you. Censorship is just not American in any way (or whatever country you live in, as long as it's not a dictatorship :P), and it's wrong. I mean, I'm a Christian, and I don't believe in reading dirty books. But A. A ton of these books aren't even that dirty, and B. Christians should be in sales, not management :D

I'm really confused too, on why these books are banned but not Twilight. Twilight, in which a girl lives for her abusive boyfriend whom she constantly begs to have sex with? Sounds pretty anti-Catholic to me. XD

Edit: Oh, okay. Makes more sense. No I wouldn't want it polluting my library either, unfortunately it is :P But I'm half glad it's in there b/c I'm against censorship in any way.

Answer 8

Why would Bridge to Terabithia be banned?
and I've read most of The Divine Comedy, it's not that bad.
Animal Farm? What the heck? That book doesn't have anything bad in it?

That list is just ridiculous.

My opinion -- Keep on doing it. At least you are getting people to read. Go girl!

Source(s):

I hope you don't get caught.

Answer 9

I totally agree with your being appalled at this excessive book ban!! (I am an author myself.) Here's what I'd suggest doing:

#1: Start a petition to get as many of these books back in circulation. Circulate it among the student body.

#2: Try approaching local newspapers and TV news channels in your town. See if they'll do a feature on your banned book story.

But I would not do anything "illegal" or something that could get you suspended or expelled. Just get the community rallying behind you!

Good luck.

Answer 10

What a question! And I mean it in a good way...

I do think that is not so OK because it is against your school's rule. But I think, both as a teen and a reader, these rules should not be implied...

...Because it's like your school is taking away your chances as readers to read those good books. That's so sad. What are they afraid of from letting those students to read those listed books?

I think your school is keeping you away from new wisdom and your freedom somehow. Instead to let their students to discover new things by reading these books, they limited what they should read...

...And I think that in reading, the word 'should' should not be used because in reading, everyone is free - free from any problems of their own, free from the negativity of this world.

You know what? I admire your courage. To stand up like that against your school rules in order to show your fellow schoolmates the greatness and beauty of classical novel needs a great amount of bravery and courage. You can be considered as a hero of books for what you did.

As you said, you made the other students in your school readers. Well, that is simply amazing. I hope your school will soon unbanned these books so that you and your schoolmates, as readers, won't have to read in hiding. Reading in hiding is like hiding a part of yourself as a person.

But there are things you can still do. You can convince other students to sign a petition to your school administration to remove the prohibition to read those book. Always remember that there is strength in numbers.

Anyway, I wish you good luck. :)

Answer 11

this is completely rediculous... banning the books i mean.
You are my HERO for doing that mini library.
i would put up a stink about it too....
is huckleberry finn on that list? if its not it should be, its soooo much worse than animal farm.

i read lord of the flies with my class in grade 10, and animal farm with my class this year (gr 12) its rediculous that they banned those.
i didnt even like animal farm but still.
i could see maybe banning the book in the school library (not cool, but if they must, they must)... but not allowing you to rome the halls with it is obserd.

Seriously if i were in your school, i would have my friends, parents, and friends parents crowd into the principles office, shout, scream, and put up a fight, until they allow you to at least have the books in school, even if they wont put them in the library.

p.s. i want to read catcher in the rye. :)

Answer 12

You're not allowed to read Hitchhiker's Guide? wow...
Firstly, your library isn't illegal as such - it's just against school rules, not the law. I haven't read all of the books on your list but some of them are real classics as you say (and great reads) and personally I'm inclined to agree with you that the books should not be banned. Also, anything that gets young people reading good literature has got to be a good thing.

However, from the point of view of avoiding trouble with your school, you may be better off storing the books at home and taking requests before bringing specific books in - that way, if you are found out, there is less evidence and it won't look so much like you're actually running a library - one book is a detention, 62 could be a suspension!

Anyway, good luck :)

Answer 13

Wow, my school is strict, Catholic, and private, has no banned books, and we read these in English class:
the picture of dorian gray
lord of the flies
east of eden
catcher in the rye
Animal farm
these were free reading options for english class:
One flew over the cuckoo's nest (11-12th grade)
the perks of being a wallflower (9th grade)
hunger games (9th grade)
catch 22 (10-11th grade)
hitchhikers guide to the galaxy
Our school sponsored book club read these:
slaughterhouse 5
out freshmen religion, regular english, regular history teachers and the sophmore art teacher LOVE twilight. UGH!

Source(s):

Well, as for that personal property thing- yes they can. You officially lose some rights that publics get. I'd read them if you want, but bringing a list of books and then only bringing the physical book when someone asks sound more practical.

Answer 14

Kat, I don't care if we're minors and gay marriage is illegal. WE'RE GETTING MARRIED TOMORROW!!!

Lol... I'm kidding (I don't swing that way) but seriously, you are my hero. If you are caught, you will most likely get in trouble. You could possibly be expelled because private schools are allowed to do this but this is an admirable thing to do. Could you please clarify something for me? Are they not allowing you to read them or are they just not stocking them in their library? There's a bit of a difference. If it's the latter, you probably won't get into trouble. You should be careful about who you let know about the library just in case.

Answer 15

If ever a question deserved a gold star this one is it! You, my friend, are a girl after my own heart. I'm sorry that your parents would be mad. If you were my kid I'd be so dang proud of you. Of course if you were my kid you wouldn't go to a school that banned books like that. Not that attending it appears to be doing you any discernible harm.

You may get in trouble, but so what? Getting in trouble for doing the right thing is entirely different from getting in trouble for doing the wrong thing. Some times getting in trouble can be worn like a badge of honor and I truly believe this is one of those times. Life is much longer than high school. Any repercussions you might suffer will soon fade into the mists of time but the fact that you boldly took a stand will stay with you forever.

I also love the fact that it is piquing a previously untapped interest in your fellow students. You'd think that society would have learned by now that prohibition is a certain path to addiction. You just happen to be a dealer of the best and least destructive drug available to the common man.

Bravo, I say! And three cheers, for good measure!

Answer 16

Okay yes you can get in trouble for it. You would be breaking school policy which is a punishable offense since you have been informed of the rule (at best you have the books confincated at worse you can be expelled).

Don't move on your own. While I would love to see it; sadly they are in their rights to ban these books on school grounds (even for no reason since they are private). That being said you can have your parents make a complaint with the school, and that is the best option. Also look into contacting the ALA. Their advocacy department may have some info that can help you move (seriously don't be shy about it, the worse they can say is that they can't help; but they are one of the strongest organizations against the banning of books).

That being said I'm am sitting here going WTF (yep cuss word and all and I don't cuss often). I attended a parocial school (a private school connected with a chuch) that was pretty strict. Dispite this half the books you listed were on our required reading list. Your school is trying to avoid contraversy by blocking on campus any books that have strong religious/political messages, are dystopian fiction, are occult, or appear on the most commonly banned book list (various reasons including offensive, homosexuality, unsuited for the age group). Only about half a dozen of the books that you listed have very stong contraversies connected to them (mainly dealing with violence), and even then your school administators are idiots (sorry but they are; I wanted to knock some common sense into the admins at my high school, but this tops the most annoying rule they managed to come up with).

Answer 17

I'm Catholic. Whoever decided to ban those books is not doing it according to their religion. There's somebody on top (perhaps your principle or school board- most likely school board) that is using their personal judgment to ban those books not the church's.

The Pope himself (I forget if it was the current Pope or John Paul II) has said that there is nothing wrong with believing in and studying evolution. It can coexist with the Bible. So, why is the The Evolution of Man banned? Who banned those books? Not the church. I think you should start a petition or write to your local Bishop or the Pope, seriously.

Answer 18

You asked the wrong person for an answer. Go for it! I am quite surprised that the majority of those books are banned. I am Catholic and am in shock over the body of individuals who did this. Just be careful that you don't get into trouble. I would hate to see you suspended. Always stand up for what you believe in.

I have to ask: This is a Catholic school, yes? And, is it in the US? Or another part of the world? (I'm still amazed that Catcher in the Rye was on that list!) Also, one more question, how old are you? Thanks in advance for answering my questions.

Good luck!

Answer 19

It is a shame that reading good books that many would never have read, is banned. Rules are rules. Are your parents upset about the books that you are choosing or is it the school policy? I think it was a bad idea to use a locker that is not yours. Find another way. I don't think selling them is a good idea because you can't do that in school. Advertise the books somewhere else and if you operate it like a library, there shouldn't be any cost involved.Is it possible to put up a flier on great books to read and let them know where to read them and when to return them. (your policy). Instead of profit, use it to increase the reading abilities that is almost a lost art these days. I think it is wonderful to actually read books and classics are great! Can you think of anywhere, maybe a mall or a diner that you can put up fliers and name some of the books? Don't advertise to sell because selling a book over and over again is like paying taxes on an item over and over again. Place the tags on the bottom of some of the listed books with your first name and phone number for those that are interested to call. Don't charge money to increase the desire to read. Make note that if the book isn't returned what the charge is to try to replace it. Go on the web to tell about the books you have for others to read if interested. I, for one, would want to keep all my books. I hate to get rid of a good book. Maybe you can find a place to have a Book Club and swap with others once a month.
When you have already used the word illegal as you have in your question, then you know it isn't okay. Find other ways that are legal. Good luck as this is worthwhile!

Source(s):

Books are priceless!

Answer 20

Having dealt with religious zealots a time or sixty-seven I advise you to have a disclaimer letter prepared and in the book locker for when you are caught. There is at least one english teacher allowing you to do your own thing, just because the average grade point value has gone up... or had you even noticed this yet?

ME!


Paul Muad'Dib (the Kwisatz Haderach) said to pass along a greetings from the desert planet Arrakis.
.

Source(s):

http://www.ask.com/bar?q=dune&page=1&qsr…

.

Answer 21

Wow, this is fantastic! Banning those books was the best thing (and the dumbest thing) those tyrants could have done.

You are a humanitarian, and an example to all! Be cautious not to get caught out and never, ever, feel guilty!

Answer 22

Books are priceless, yet I some how can't believe this story.

If it's true, you will get in trouble eventually, but it's worth the price of spreading literacy.


EDIT: and I read one of your other questions asking if there was a banned book list available, where you also said your friend went to a private school with a list 10 pages long.

Again, I'm not sure if I believe this heroic story.

Answer 23

Do it. For sure.
You're school is being moronic.
Banning books is awful..

Answer 24

Without a doubt this is the most heroic thing ive heard in a long time!
Sounds like banning those books was a good thing; I dont care what theyre reading, as long as more kids are enjoying reading!
Keep on going strong Kat!
You rock

Answer 25

Hey! its not a bad thing, just keep on doing what your doing, if you get in trouble than just stand ^ for your self and all of the other people that love reading those banned books! I think it is a good and brave thing that you are doing so keep on doing it!

Answer 26

thats wierd why would Animal Farm,and Bridge to Terabithia blocked .
i say that you are right no one can stop you from that its a stupid reason and most of all if you get caught and they ask u why u did it just say "I plead the fifth"
then you don't have to tell them