The Best of the Worst: What Got Weeded

by SLJ Staff
Aug 30, 2021 | Filed in News & Features

Here are some "favorite" titles culled from collections.

SLJ asked readers to share pictures of some of the “best” weeded books from their ­libraries, and you, dear readers, did not disappoint. There was ­frighteningly out-of-date nonfiction, a book of dirty limericks, and plenty of sexist and racist titles. Many librarians keep photos or the books themselves as a reminder of the importance of regularly reviewing collections.
Sharon Hrycewicz keeps Indian Talk: Hand Signals of the American Indians in her desk at the Downers Grove (IL) Library, where she is the children’s reference and technology coordinator. The title was weeded in 2016, and Hrycewicz wanted to make sure the book didn’t end up on the resale shelves. It also offers a tangible reminder for her and her colleagues.
“When we talk about why we weed [and] problem books, I have Example A close at hand,” she says.
Here are just some of the books our readers removed. 
 
 

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