SHAWANO, WI- The Shawano Library Board recently found itself in a passionate debate over the labeling of Christian fiction books, a discussion that raised significant questions about the power of labels and their implications.
At the heart of the issue is the decision to rebrand Christian fiction books, particularly the removal of the cross symbol from their labels. Board member Gina Shatters expressed her concerns, highlighting that the proposed relabeling as “inspirational” does not accurately represent the essence of Christian literature. “I’m not a Christian because it’s inspirational. I’m a Christian because Jesus Christ is my lord and savior,” she stated, emphasizing that this classification was unique to Christian books within the library.
Currently, religious books, including Christian fiction, bear the label “faith books,” but only the Christian books feature a cross symbol. The proposed change stirred a range of opinions within the community, with several residents advocating for retaining the cross and labeling the books as Christian fiction.
Some see the proposed change as a form of censorship. They viewed inspiration as a vital facet of Christianity but also as a broader concept that encompassed law, science, and faith. For them, it was a matter of personal interpretation and understanding of the universe. Others expressed concern that the term “inspirational” could encompass various worldviews and philosophies, making it a generic and potentially misleading descriptor.
Library board members are set to conduct further research into local library practices and ALA guidelines and will revisit the issue at their upcoming meeting on November 13. Since the issue was not on the October 9 agenda as an action item, no official decisions could be made at that time. The debate underscores the broader question of how books are categorized and labeled within public libraries, touching on matters of religion, free expression, and community values.
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