Regarding the piece titled “Why not the Epoch Times?” published April 15, 2024, clarification of Tonya Gaffney’s clarification is necessary.

The piece states that one Marshalltown Public Librarian shared that no libraries in Iowa carried the Epoch Times. That means that no patrons requested it, and/or libraries have censored and banned it. A significant number of patrons have in a civil manner, over several months, requested that the MPL board be the first library in Iowa to accept several years’ worth of The Epoch Times newspaper and The American Rifleman magazine FREE of charge. Under Gaffney’s watch, uncivil and unethical reference by mayor pro tem Ladehoff and Director Rosenblum to patrons in a board meeting and in public record, has not been acknowledged and no penalty levied. No appreciation toward the two most recent generous patrons, and one dating back to Aug. 2022, offering the material has been expressed.

Why do “good reviews in a standard library selection guide” written by a staff of unknown people rate higher than millions of people who think highly enough of the publications to subscribe to them? According to Gaffney, “I would not advise 6th grade students to use this as a reliable source.” In other words, students should use only approved materials to form conclusions. Will anyone allow school children to read this letter to the editor? The New York Times spent several months trying to destroy the upstart Epoch Times only to later embed a link to it in a piece about the Crossfire Hurricane scam. Since when did NBC News become a pillar of truth? When asked if she had ever read The Epoch Times, the State Library Marshall Co. rep said she had “heard of it.” According to public record emails, she was then asked for and along with cohorts at State, provided MPL with strategies and policy suggestions intended for one purpose only. Ignore “public” in public servant.

Regardless of when the 180 second (120 if 10 or more sign in to comment) public comment time is, the board/staff will always have the last word, correct information or not. Immediately before the Dec. 2022 vote not to purchase the two publications, one board member asked what The Epoch Times was. Policy revision dated April 20023 eliminated the opportunity for patrons to address their agenda item when or if it comes up. The board can initiate dialog with patrons but has not done so in 18 months.

According to minutes from the Nov. 2022 board meeting, I did in fact promote addition of the two periodicals. Generous patrons are not interested in spending a considerable amount of money for the material and expected to deliver it to an obscure corner of the building, where it can be removed by the first disgruntled staffer, or patron who sees it. The honorable patron’s goal is to see that the material is displayed openly with similar items.

Again, according to Gaffney, “I’m hopeful that we will be able to find a middle ground solution that meets the needs of Marshalltown.” The April board meeting occurred the evening after her article was published and “middle ground” was never discussed.