Big Crowd Delays Book Boycott Talks
The controversial book, "In the Middle of the Night" once again has people outraged.
The Cheshire public library ordered two copies of the book. At Monday night's library board meeting, a crowd gathered to express their displeasure.
"As a resident of Cheshire, I'm very sorry the library staff made the decision to spend tax money to buy the book. I would not have done it," said Anne Giddings a former middle school principal.
The book details the 2007 murders of Jennifer Hawke-Petit, and her two daughters Hayley, and Michaela. The author, Brian McDonald, interviews one of the alleged killers, Joshua Komisarjevsky.
The book was ordered because members expressed interest in reading it, according to library director Ramona Harten. There are currently 11 people on the waiting list to check out the book.
Opponents of the book claim it falsely portrays itself as fact. They also say that the book is illegal because there was a gag order on Komisarjevsky.
"It's a public library," said library board member Marilyn Bartoli. "They're under no legal obligation to stack this book, so obviously I'd like to see the decision reversed."
There are several criteria based on interest and need the library uses when selecting books. Ultimately the library director has the final say on what books are put on the shelves. Harten says she selected the book based on a professional judgment, not personal interest.
Top Stories
