Shutting down books and young voices

To the editor:

My 11-year-old daughter attended the Columbia County Library Board meeting last Monday, October 17th. She wanted to show her civic pride and support the library.

I am horrified and appalled at the behavior of certain pro-book-banning adults in the audience. My daughter stood up to speak at the meeting, only to hear an adult behind her murmuring for her to sit down and shut up.

Another woman delighted in quoting some excerpts from a book that she considered to be the most pornographic section of the book. She said she was concerned for the children but repeated what she thought were the most harmful phrases repeatedly to the face of an 11-year-old child. She obviously does not aim to protect children; she seeks to shame and control.

Shame on these adults. They need to grow up.

Roger J. Tumbocon

Dayton, Wash.