The New York Public Library announced Thursday it will not be removing the six sidelined Dr. Seuss books but will instead keep the titles in circulation until the existing copies are too worn out to distribute.
“As with all public libraries, the New York Public Library does not censor books,” said spokeswoman Angela Montefinise, according to the New York Post.
Montefinise said the library, which serves Manhattan, the Bronx, and Staten Island, will keep the “cancelled” books — “And to Think That I Saw It on Mulberry Street,” “If I Ran the Zoo,” “McElligot’s Pool,” “On Beyond Zebra!,” “The Cat’s Quizzer,” and “Scrambled Eggs Super!” — on its shelves.
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“In this case,” the spokeswoman explained, “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.”
Moving forward, she added, librarians “will certainly strongly consider” the criticisms of Dr. Seuss’ works “when planning story times, displays, and recommendations.”
Dr. Seuss Enterprises announced earlier this week it would stop publishing the six embattled books as “part of our commitment and our broader plan to ensure Dr. Seuss Enterprises’ catalog represents and supports all communities and families,” the company said in a statement to the Associated Press.
The company, which owns the rights to publish book written by renowned children’s author Theodor Seuss Geisel, said it reached the decision to cease publication of the six books after receiving feedback “from our audiences, including teachers, academics, and specialists in the field as part of our review process.”
While the vast majority of Dr. Seuss’ work remains available, the move sparked a larger cultural shift to banish the late author from pop culture.
President Joe Biden made certain to avoid any mention at all of Dr. Seuss in his proclamation for “Read Across America Day,” which is also Dr. Seuss’ birthday and usually serves to commemorate his monumental contributions to children’s literacy. In addition, Universal Orlando announced Wednesday it is “evaluating” the future of the Dr. Seuss-themed area in its theme park, Islands of Adventure.
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Furthermore, it was reported Thursday afternoon eBay is removing all sales of the six “cancelled” Dr. Seuss books from its 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.”
Podcast host Megyn Kelly pointed out, however, that people can still buy and sell Nazi dictator Adolf Hitler’s book, “Mein Kampf.”