One of these things is not like the others
One of these things doesn't belong
Can you tell which thing is not like the other
By the time we finish our song?*
Did you guess which thing is not like the others?
Did you guess which thing doesn't belong?
If you guessed this thing is not like the others
Then you're absolutely right.
Our library promotes equity. Our library promotes literacy for adults who have come here from many places. Our library promotes accessibility to materials and opportunities.
Our library is hosting multiple Harry Potter themed events?
Tell me this isn’t so.
J.K. Rowling, author of the Harry Potter book series, has and continues to use the profits from those books to advocate for laws that diminish the rights of trans people. She has and continues to use her fame to influence public opinion to view and treat trans people negatively.
In short, Ms. Rowling is using the Harry Potter book series to make transgender people around the world less safe.
Elevating Harry Potter in such an official way sends a message to our local trans friends and neighbors and family members that they are not welcomed and not safe at the library.
I am heartsick.
I’m glad that libraries contain all kinds of books and materials and allow exploration of many different ideas. But it can’t be a place that actively harms members of our community through its official organized programming.
If we say there’s a place for everyone at our library we must show that those are not just pretty words. We have to prove it.
Here’s the link on the HCLS website where you can contact them with questions and/or feedback.
I’m going to do that right now.
*One of These Things was written by Bruce Hart, Jon Stone (Sesame Street) & Joe Raposo



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