I love this town, Suffield. Born and raised in the suburbs of Springfield, I never imagined enjoying life in a farm town. I was quick to change my tune when I moved here a decade ago. I have delighted in learning about Suffield’s past, visiting historic houses and cemeteries. I have reveled in Suffield’s beauty, enjoying the Lewis Farm Bird Sanctuary, hiking at Sunrise Park, or simply strolling down Main Street. There is always something beautiful to see or do in this charming town I now call home.
One appeal of Suffield is the quality of life while raising children in a small town. This is a town where children can walk downtown without the worries that face other parts of the world. This is a town that will provide our children with food during hard times. A town where “it takes a village” still has meaning. Between the town workers and many volunteers, the Suffield community has done an admirable job of making our town feel safe for all families. A prominent town institution that perpetuates the feeling of safety within the community is the Kent Memorial Library.
Lately, our library has come to be under attack by people with questionable intentions. They claim their purpose is to protect children, while spreading misinformation about our beloved library and implying that children have easy access to mature material. The ultimate goal is simple. Control. Kent Memorial Library is a public institution, and as such should represent all demographics. That means everyone, regardless of race, religion or gender identity.
Banning books is about as un-American as it gets. America is the Land of the Free. We, as American citizens should be free to access information, learn and expand our minds. Just as people shouted “freedom” in the face of mask and vaccine mandates, I will shout “freedom” to read and learn about genders, sex, and puberty. A public library is a vast resource for all available information, not a haven for one set of ideals.
As an American citizen who loves her country, I am heartbroken and sickened by the willingness to suppress information in our town. So many of our loved ones have served our country to prevent this from happening to our home, yet here it is on our doorstep. Suffield no longer feels safe for many residents, including children that are supposed to be the focus of protection. The American Dream of Life, Liberty, and the Pursuit of Happiness is quickly becoming a nightmare. We the People will not go quietly into the night.
Editors note: In the interest of fairness, the Observer sought an opposing viewpoint from the affected party. At the time the paper went to print, a response had not been received.