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NY Public Library to Keep 6 ‘Banned’ Seuss Books in Circulation, Refuses to ‘Censor Books’

Photo by Alejandro Barba via Unsplash

NY Public Library to Keep 6 ‘Banned’ Seuss Books in Circulation, Refuses to ‘Censor Books’

By Movieguide® Staff

The Dr. Seuss Foundation’s decision to no longer publish six of the late author’s classic children’s books due to “hurtful and wrong” portrayals of particular people groups received a polarized response.  

However, The New York Public Library announced that they would keep circulating their existing copies of the six banned Dr. Seuss books.  

“As with all public libraries, the New York Public Library does not censor books,” library spokeswoman Angela Montefinise announced, the New York Post reported. “In this case, the six titles in question are being pulled out of print by Dr. Seuss Enterprises, so the very few copies we have of these titles will continue to circulate until they are no longer in acceptable condition.”

Montefinise added that librarians “will certainly strongly consider” the critique of Dr. Seuss’ books “when planning story times, displays, and recommendations.”

According to the Associated Press, Dr. Seuss Enterprises said that their recent decision is a “part of our commitment and our broader plan to ensure Dr. Seuss Enterprises’ catalog represents and supports all communities and families.”

Movieguide® previously reported

The titles affected include “And to Think That I Saw It on Mulberry Street,” “If I Ran the Zoo,” “McElligot’s Pool,” “On Beyond Zebra!,” “Scrambled Eggs Super!,” and “The Cat’s Quizzer.”

“Dr. Seuss Enterprises listened and took feedback from our audiences including teachers, academics and specialists in the field as part of our review process. We then worked with a panel of experts, including educators, to review our catalog of titles,” the company revealed.

Although the extensive library of Seussian tales remains mostly intact, there has been a concerted effort by people and companies outside of Dr. Seuss Enterprises to dismiss the late author’s real influence on child literacy.

For example, former President Donald Trump and former President Barack Obama honored the author on “Read Across America Day,” which is celebrated on Dr. Seuss’s birthday, but President Joseph Biden did not.  

Read Also: Universal Orlando Amusement Park to ‘Evaluate’ Dr. Seuss-themed Attractions

Moreover, eBay removed the ability to buy or sell the six books on their platform.

“At eBay, we have a strict policy against hate and discrimination to ensure our platform remains a safe, trusted, and inclusive environment for our global community of buyers and sellers,” eBay Corporate Communications Specialist Parmita Choudhury told the Washington Examiner. “We’re currently sweeping our marketplace to remove these items. It can take some time to review all existing listings and provide education to impacted users. We’re also monitoring the newly published list to be reviewed.”

However, many have deemed the critique of Dr. Seuss as another example of cancel culture and pointed out the hypocrisy of companies like eBay banning the books. 

 

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Now more than ever we’re bombarded by darkness in media, movies, and TV. Movieguide® has fought back for almost 40 years, working within Hollywood to propel uplifting and positive content. We’re proud to say we’ve collaborated with some of the top industry players to influence and redeem entertainment for Jesus. Still, the most influential person in Hollywood is you. The viewer.

What you listen to, watch, and read has power. Movieguide® wants to give you the resources to empower the good and the beautiful. But we can’t do it alone. We need your support.

You can make a difference with as little as $7. It takes only a moment. If you can, consider supporting our ministry with a monthly gift. Thank you.

Movieguide® is a 501c3 and all donations are tax deductible.