WATERTOWN – At its July 31 public meeting, the Watertown Library Board of Trustees held a forum to address controversy surrounding A Map for Falasteen: A Palestinian Child’s Search for Home, a book listed on the library’s suggested summer reading list for second graders. Some critics argued that the book presents the Israel-Palestine conflict from a single perspective and includes references to military force that may be unsuitable for young readers.

Supporters of the book, including educators, librarians, and residents, urged the board to resist efforts they described as censorship, and spoke in favor of intellectual freedom and diverse representation in children’s literature. Many expressed concern that removing the book would set a dangerous precedent.

Library Board Chair Leanne Hammonds clarified that the book was not required reading and emphasized that the library’s selection process adheres to American Library Association guidelines, which call for collections that reflect a wide range of ages, viewpoints, and cultural backgrounds. The board formally reaffirmed its commitment to the library’s collection development policy and the principles of intellectual freedom.

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