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I really enjoyed reading “Green Weeding” by Sarah Penniman and Lisa McColl (LJ 9/15/08, p. 32–33) but was surprised to find no mention of Friends of the Library groups, which have been in the “green weeding” movement for decades. In fact, most library used books sales are run by the Friends. In addition to annual sales on site, Friends are also selling books on the Internet directly and through such third-party vendors as B-Logistics and Better World Books, mentioned in the article.

Friends of Libraries U.S.A. surveyed its member groups in late 2006 to find out how much they raised for their libraries. We had a 25 percent response rate, and the numbers were astounding. The average amount given by Friends groups to their libraries that year was over $50,000! Certainly not all of that came from the sale of books, but the truth is that book sales remain the number one fundraising activity for most Friends groups.

—Sally Gardner Reed, Exec. Dir., Friends of Libraries U.S.A., Philadelphia

American Library Association (ALA) fear tactics are okay, but a woman inquires about library policies, that woman happens to be the Republican vice presidential nominee, that woman happens to be “a member in good standing of the Wasilla Bible Church,” and Francine Fialkoff (“Palin Strikes Fear in Libraries,” LJ 10/1/08, p. 8) tells everyone, shouting, “BE AFRAID...BE VERY AFRAID!”? I hope this is not the kind of political speech that jeopardizes the 501(c)(3) tax-exempt status of ALA.

Library policies are written to, among other things, allow librarians to answer questions quickly, accurately, and consistently. Librarians are required to read and understand the policies. Sometimes they are required to direct people with questions to the library director so that, again, questions are answered quickly, accurately, and consistently. Questions are asked so often that ALA has created what amounts to model public library policies. These policies are easily accessible on the ALA web site....

However, mainly because Governor Palin asked questions when she was a mayor, Francine Fialkoff says, “There is strong evidence that Palin is no friend to libraries or to the values they represent.” Speaking of values, Fialkoff can't even bring herself to say “Governor Palin.” “American Library Association president Jim Rettig,” she writes, but not “Governor Palin.” To me, that is disrespectful, at the very least.

“As we get closer to Election Day, there will surely be other revelations to make us even more wary of Sarah Palin, but there are plenty of facts already to worry the library community,” says Fialkoff.

What library community? The one where “[f]alse charges of banning or censorship are so common that they are seldom challenged for evidence or even for a definition”? The one where “[t]hose who are spreading hysteria about book banning and censorship know that they are in a war, but too many of those who thoughtlessly repeat their rhetoric do not”? (preview.tinyurl.com/sowell)

If that is the “library community” that opposes Governor Palin for asking questions, the one that makes “false charges of banning or censorship...so common,” then Governor Palin has nothing to worry about.

Instead, people need to “BE AFRAID... BE VERY AFRAID!” of why Francine Fialkoff and her “library community” are “spreading hysteria about book banning and censorship” using the “shameless propaganda” called Banned Books Week and false information about Governor Palin....

—Dan Kleinman, SafeLibraries.org, Chatham, NJ

Dan Kleinman (letter above) may be a bit confused when he asks whether Francine Fialkoff is jeopardizing ALA's nonprofit status by her comments on Governor Palin. LJ is not an organ of the American Library Association. I, too, have problems with the Republican ticket, particularly since Senator McCain is in his 70s. One question someone should ask: Would he have urged the party to accept his vice presidential nominee if Governor Palin—given her experience and other qualifications—had been a man? Of course, librarians, other library workers, and advocates should consider the positions of the candidates on all issues. We should, however, look closely at their plans to restore the economy, as that is the key to library funding. Cash-strapped municipalities, colleges and universities, school districts, and privately funded special libraries are all affected.

—Sue Kamm, Libn., Inglewood, CA

I don't recall ever crying over an issue of LJ during my 30-plus years of reading it, but the BackTalk by Ronald Gauthier (“Three Years After Katrina,” LJ 9/1/08, p. 46) certainly brought tears to my eyes. His love of New Orleans and its libraries and his new enchantment with Gwinnett County, GA, were incredibly touching to me.

—Janet Campbell, Dir., Mansfield P.L., MA