One of three sex games played by area high school students ? rainbow parties ? is detailed in a book by the same name available in some local libraries.
“Rainbow Party” ? published by Simon & Schuster in 2005 and marketed to teens 14 and up ? is available at public libraries in Baltimore City, Baltimore County, Harford County and Anne Arundel County.
Promotional materials on Amazon.com describe the book as an indictment of abstinence-only sex education that too-strictly defines sexual activity, but local librarians say banning books like this makes them more likely to hit library shelves.
“We don?t censor anything. It?s not our job to do that. Libraries believe in having something for everyone. It?s something we take pride in. We don?t question why people take out certain books,” said Mona Rock, spokeswoman for Enoch Pratt Free Library. “In fact, we celebrate the fact that we have every book that people want banned — like ?Rainbow Party.?”
Enoch Pratt purchased the book based on positive reviews from Kirkus, Publisher?s Weekly and the School Library Journal.
The book by television writer Paul Ruditis tells the controversial tale of a group of teens planning an oral sex party.
Some parent groups feel libraries should be more selective.
“This book should never have been written. It sensationalizes sexual behavior among teens that should be discouraged rather than glamorized. Libraries have limited resources and should devote them to encouraging positive behavior,” said Peter Sprigg, vice president for policy at the Family Research Council in Washington. “Parents and others responsible for the care and upbringing of children should exercise great discretion and that should include not investing in this book.”
“Rainbow Party” was purchased based on public interest for the adult collection, said Mary Hastler, assistant director of Baltimore County public libraries. “We thought is was more appropriate there, but anyone could come in an check it out. It?s really up to teens and their parents to decide what they borrow.”
At a parent?s request, Baltimore County can issue a restricted library card that limits the type of material a child checks out.
“Rainbow Party” is not available at Howard or Carroll County Libraries, though not based on policy decisions.
The book did not meet Howard?s selection criteria, said Cindy Jones, head of Materials Management in Howard County.
“The quality of the writing was poor and the reviews didn?t make it sound like it was an essential purchase,” she said. “However, we would re-evaluate the book if someone requested it.”
