I praise God for JoAn Karkos's righteous act. She is doing what a true Christian is called to do. And she shall be rewarded by the Father. But some will reap what they sow both in this life and the life to come.

Sent by Esther | 9:47 PM ET | 09-18-2007

Sorry, people like this make me furious. The level of arrogance and disregard for others that they demonstrate is unbelievable. That they feel qualified to decide what others can read, listen to, or see is ultimate hubris. I'm quite glad that her arrogance backfired on her.

Sent by Larry | 9:57 PM ET | 09-18-2007

@Esther

Yes, hitler would be proud but hey as long as you repent. "Why don't you try reading books instead of burning them."

-Indiana Jones

Sent by Dr. Jones | 5:12 AM ET | 09-19-2007

I suppose Karkos thinks she was appointed by God to be the sole decider for our community of what is right and moral for people to read. The Library did send her the forms to request removal of the materials, but it apppears she would rather play the role of the Vigilante. I think her actions are un-American. I'm sure she can still express her opinion in ways that don't violate her borrowing agreements.

Sent by David Sysko | 6:07 AM ET | 09-19-2007

When will people like Karkos and Esther (see above comments) learn--making an issue of particular books results in more publicity which results in more people reading them. Of course, if the purpose is to be self=righteous and exhibit their pride, then they achieved their goal. I am sure God is not the arrogant prig that some of these people are.

Sent by julia ann evans | 6:38 AM ET | 09-19-2007

"I praise God for JoAn Karkos's righteous act. She is doing what a true Christian is called to do..."
Umm...have you read the bible, lady? Is there a "Thou shalt not educate thy children but stick thy head up thine butt and hope thy children don't get AIDS or pregnant" commandment I missed in Sunday School? I notice Ms. Karkos did not donate a replacement book that does a better job of explaining sex to kids. She would instead choose ignorance. Maybe she would prefer the Bible, for sex ed right? Then our daughters would think they should be executed if they don't cry out when raped...or that they should be excommunicated if they have sex during their periods...
Every time one of you people open you mouths people run away from the church. Nice job.

Sent by David | 6:44 AM ET | 09-19-2007

Larry, don't be sorry. I have this book, which I have read cover to cover, and intend to give to my nine-year old daughter. Too many people in this country have the backward notion that information on reproductive health and sexuality will automatically drive children/teens to become sexually active. If you raise your children with a positive moral code and clear expectations, you have done all you can do. I would rather my children be sexually active with the proper information and knowledge to protect their health and emotional well-being, than to foolishly lose their virginity with ignorance, unsafe practices, and emotional distress. Parents cannot control their childrens' sexuality or sexual activity. They can only hope that they have raised them to be proactive about their health and behavior, and that they will make rational choices. Give them the tools to do that - which means NOT leaving them in a cloud of ignorance.

Sent by Jena | 7:32 AM ET | 09-19-2007

I wonder: Where could I write Ms. Karkos? I'd like to thank for for informing me of the perfect book for addressing sexual changes as my "tween" becomes a teen.

Sent by Deeh | 8:30 AM ET | 09-19-2007

Um...Esther? Are you serious over there? Have you actually even seen the book? Just checkin'.

Sent by Courtney | 8:38 AM ET | 09-19-2007

Simply Krakos abused a privilege and along with her influences that be, is an embarrassment to the freethinking people of Maine. Maybe the Telaban would find her narrow point of view useful???I hear they???re making a come back. And do we really need one more ???praise god??? moral police person. Look where that got us this past 7 years. Please, enough already with this praise god/god bless thing???what exactly does that validate?

Sent by george gekas | 8:53 AM ET | 09-19-2007

When I was in High School, I used the list of books that people were trying to ban as a reading list. Nearly all great classics.

Sent by John | 9:00 AM ET | 09-19-2007

Honestly, what more can you expect from ignorant religious loonies?

Sent by Melanie | 9:49 AM ET | 09-19-2007

Some call it a righteous, others call it fascist. I'm a Christian and am outraged by this act. We live in America. The next step for folks who act like JoAn Karko is to simply burn the books they disagree with... this popular idea may find a nice resurgence with individuals who act as such.

Sent by PJ Estabrook | 9:52 AM ET | 09-19-2007

what was the story in the bible that teaches that it's ok to give your daughters over to an angry mob to be raped rather than a stranger who GOD tells you to shelter. there's a lesson for Ms. Karkos to teach her kids instead of sex education.

Sent by Don | 11:03 AM ET | 09-19-2007

Gee people, show a little courage here in the face of Christian Fascism, how about those last names? If you're going to stand up then just do it. It only hurts for a little while.

Sent by george gekas | 11:40 AM ET | 09-19-2007

It is a sad testement of us as a society...we'll take out a book from the library and not return it so no one else can read it (a controlled choice)...what then is planned for all the TV shows and commercials that children are exposed to often under the lack luster supervision of parents in the home?

Sent by Mike | 12:10 PM ET | 09-19-2007

The fact that JoAn Karkos two $21 checks to cover the cost of the books is also insulting and ignorant. A librarian (and I am one) can't just walk out to the bookstore, buy copies of the books, and put them on the shelves -- there are costs (human and material) associated with purchasing, cataloging, tagging, and shelving.

Sent by Melissa | 12:22 PM ET | 09-19-2007

"Gee people, show a little courage here in the face of Christian Fascism, how about those last names? If you're going to stand up then just do it. It only hurts for a little while."
It may not hurt at all...when they bomb your house or shoot dead you in your driveway (like you were an abortion doctor, for example, or a gay person). Remember, nothing is a sin if you do it in the name of Jesus. These people have no idea they are just like Muslim extremists...and every other violent kind, for that matter.

Sent by David | 1:46 PM ET | 09-19-2007

Esther,

It's this book today, it's the the Bible or another important or religious book tomorrow. Censorship is very slippery slope.

This isn't emblematic of a larger problem with Christians. It's emblematic of a larger problem with people who have insufficient appreciation for the value of the first amendment. Careful with the whole "Christian fascism" thing. I don't think it's venturesome to say that most Christians hate fascism and love freedom as much as you do. I know I do.

Sent by Edward | 2:53 PM ET | 09-19-2007

What? Christians taking an undue interest in not only the private business of other people, but also attempting to censor something according to their extreme, irrational, and antiquated sense of morality? Why, I've never heard of such a thing. Next thing you know, someone will start claiming that Christians beg an invisible man for special favors and such. Ludicrous, I say.

Sent by angsty | 9:00 PM ET | 09-19-2007

Why haven't theft charges been filed with the police? I'd refuse the checks and go after the loon, because in her crazed mind she'll come in and steal the replacement books.

Sent by Brian Questel | 11:10 AM ET | 09-20-2007

Jena said it best. I'm glad there are parents like you out there, in other words responsible and realistic.

Sent by Jeanie | 10:13 PM ET | 09-21-2007

The Scripture says:

"There is none righteous, no, not one;
There is none who understands;
There is none who seeks after God.
They have all turned aside;
They have together become
unprofitable;
There is none who does good, no, not
one."
"Their throat is an open tomb;
With their tongues they have practiced
deceit";
"The poison of asps is under their
lips";
"Whose mouth is full of cursing and
bitterness."
"Their feet are swift to shed blood;
Destruction and misery are in their
ways;
And the way of peace they have not
know."
"There is no fear of God before their
eyes."

Sent by Esther | 9:20 AM ET | 09-22-2007

No one but you, right? So glad you exist. Or we would give the human race a bad name? Keep up the good work. Note: when you quote from the bible, give the citation, for those heathens among us. Thanks.

Sent by julia ann evans | 8:08 AM ET | 09-23-2007

This is from romans chapter 3, verses 10 through 18. I was brought up religious and know the bible well enough to know its complete rubbish and you can't read an entire page without finding at least one contradiction. For example Genesis 6:2 directly conflicts with Genesis 7:6. Only six sentences lay between these and I suggest that God fire his editor.

The idea that anyone who sets their moral code by a book that advocates slavery, incest, rape, and hatred to homosexuals should have any control over my private life is unacceptable. To those would say the bible does not preach these things I suggest they sit down and actually read it.

Sent by Reuben Baker | 9:10 AM ET | 09-24-2007