Prompt Response Week 7

In my experience I have found it hardest to talk about memoirs, biographies, and other “true stories,” especially books that talk about the lives of political figures. I have had many experiences where patrons chat about a recent political biography they’ve read, and they ask me things like “Can you believe what this person has done?!” It is awkward when these conversations begin because I must suppress all my biases and beliefs and remain professional. It isn’t hard for me to do so, but patrons give me a look that appears to say “Don’t you have an opinion?”

I also have patrons who get angered by memoirs, biographies, political biographies, asking us “Why do you have a book about this garbage man,” or “Why do you have this book? It is obvious what political beliefs you have!” Being a history major who has read quite a few political biographies, I understand that no one book is 100% true, but that can probably be said about many nonfiction titles.

The most recent example of these kinds of interactions came when “Fire and Fury” by Michael Wolff was released. The book is about the first year of President Trump’s time in office. When we announced on Facebook that we would be ordering extra copies due to extremely high demand, some people criticized us both online and in person, commenting that we are biased and they no longer have respect for us. The library contains and continues to order items that are controversial or biased, but that is because we allow books of all kinds and information. We promote the freedom to information and the freedom to read. It is unfortunate people are angry with us, but we are only doing our job. You cannot please everyone!