Rumford Public Library Banned Book display discussion, September 2018

Laura Saunders filed this request with the Rumford Public Library of Rumford, ME.
Est. Completion None
Status
No Responsive Documents

Communications

From: Laura Saunders


To Whom It May Concern:

Pursuant to the Maine Freedom of Access Act, I hereby request the following records:

Materials related to the Banned Books display at the Rumford Public Library in September 2018, including but not limited to:

- any communications sent to or from the following individuals: Dan Pearson, Justin Thacker, Rev. Nathan March

- meeting notes and minutes related to the display or any alterations to the display and its original design. Please include materials from the board meeting reported to have been held to discuss the display.

- any other communications to or from representatives of the Rumford Public Library related to the display, complaints, compliments, or other concerns

For more information, please see: https://bannedbooksweek.org/local-pastors-attempt-to-ban-books-from-banned-books-display-at-maine-public-library/

I also request that, if appropriate, fees be waived as we believe this request is in the public interest, as suggested but not stipulated by 1 M.R.S.A. ยง 408(6). The requested documents will be made available to the general public free of charge as part of the public information service at MuckRock.com, processed by a representative of the news media/press and is made in the process of news gathering and not for commercial usage.

In the event that there are fees, I would be grateful if you would inform me of the total charges in advance of fulfilling my request. I would prefer the request filled electronically, by e-mail attachment if available or CD-ROM if not.

Thank you in advance for your anticipated cooperation in this matter. I look forward to receiving your response to this request within 5 business days, as the statute requires.

Sincerely,

Laura Saunders

From: Rumford Public Library

Please email mfournier@rumford.lib.me.us directly for this information.

Sincerely,
Tamara Butler
Library Director
Rumford Public Library
56 Rumford Avenue
Rumford, ME 04276
(207) 364-3661
tbutler@rumford.lib.me.us

Quoting requests@muckrock.com:

From: Rumford Public Library

Unfortunately, this banned book display isn't over yet, the new town
manager is giving us hell over it and demanding we not take politcal
stances on town property......(insert eye roll) because LGBTQ history
is clearly political and he is using the display for fuel Quoting
requests@muckrock.com:

Mary Ann Fournier
Rumford Public Library
56 Rumford Avenue
Rumford, ME 04276
mfournier@rumford.lib.me.us
207-364-3661

From: Laura Saunders

Thank you for letting me know the status of the situation. I understand from your message that the situation is ongoing, but I am still interested in whatever documentation is available. Is there anything that can be shared now? Or, will you send me information once the litigation is done?
Thank you,
Laura.

From: Rumford Public Library

Do you have a fax number I could send them to?

Quoting requests@muckrock.com:

From: Laura Saunders

I am so sorry for the delay in getting back to you.

Yes, please fax any relevant documents to my attention (Laura Saunders) at 617-521-3199

From: Laura Saunders

I just wanted to check whether it is still possible to receive those documents?

From: Rumford Public Library

Laura,
We have received your faxes for further information but in checking with Mary Ann Fournier, I don't believe we have any. Tamara Butler, who was the Library Director during the display challenge is no longer working here. She never assigned anyone to take note during these meetings and we did not record them. The Interim Town Manager who was involved has been replaced. The display was not taken down until the end of the month, when we always change the displays. If we had anything else, I would be happy to share it with you, but I just can't find anymore records pertaining to this incident.
Susan Marshall
Library Director
Rumford Public Library

Files

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