Imagine being jailed for an overdue book...

[harry chickpea]

I've actually BEEN to the Athens Limestone library. My wife once attended a book group there. I've also been to the University library in Athens AL. I won't say that what I write is an explanation, but it is a set of observations that might shed some light.

First, the governmental body in Athens is a bit nuts. It also has a law/ordinance that states that people who don't keep their lawns properly mown will be jailed. When I go through the town, I am always amused that the more ragged areas are the city-owned swales and creek banks. I would personally enjoy a resident having the balls to demand enforcement and the jailing of the mayor and others. Leviticus demanded extreme punishments, and apparently they have been reading a lot of Leviticus in Athens.

Second, Athens and north Alabama are the buckle of the Bible belt. A lot of public activity and government gets colored by that, and outsiders don't realize that the influences are constant and deep. For instance, I attended a small live concert by a band in a smaller nearby town. Although the concert was very well attended and people seemed to appreciate the music, only one couple (obviously semi-professional) danced. Why? Because dancing is frowned upon by the churches in the area.

Third, there is a very real interdiction by many of the churches (and a majority of people in power attend church) that other than technical instruction books, people should never read books that aren't by Christian authors promoting Christian values. The fear of "polluting" the mind with other points of view is a major reason why the South has remained behind educationally. To me, that is by far the biggest flaw the South has. Intentional lack of education or attempting to understand alternate points of view is crippling in many ways.

Even in Huntsville, the the chain Barnes and Noble, there is a major section of Bibles, Bible interpretation, Christian values books, and then fiction that falls within that category (like "Left Behind") and only the tiniest of sections, with half empty shelves, on other religions or spiritual paths. You can imagine the limited selection of books available in the Athens library.

I have never felt the need or desire to check a book out of the Athens library. The university library is a little more interesting, but even there I see quirks in the selection of books.

If the Athens library feels that strongly about their books, it doesn't affect me in the slightest. My personal library is more diverse.

[qwy]

I loved that Seinfeld clip!

I have mixed feelings about going to jail over a book. On the one hand, it is stealing, and books are important, on the other hand, I don't count neglect, forgetting, or losing a book the same as stealing.

[LauraC]

But, but in prison, they'll finally have the time to finish the book.