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By RONNIE BLAIR

The Tampa Tribune

Published: September 18, 2008

NEW PORT RICHEY - The publishing trend toward graphic novels has resulted in a corresponding trend at Pasco County libraries.

Graphic novels, especially the popular Manga books from Japan, are now the most frequently challenged books in the library system.

"People view a picture or illustration differently than something that is described using words," said Leslie Jones, the system's collection development coordinator.

Jones was part of a Constitution Day panel Wednesday at Pasco-Hernando Community College that focused on "The First Amendment, Intellectual Freedom and Banned Books."

The panel also featured Carmine Bell, a PHCC professor of language arts, and Sue Dillinger, director of the New Port Richey Public Library. Saint Leo University in east Pasco also observed Constitution Day with an evening program.

Those graphic-novel challenges have been informal challenges, which happen when a patron expresses discomfort with a book, DVD or other item. Jones reviews the item to make sure it meets the library's criteria.

The library system also has a formal procedure when someone wants an item removed. A committee reviews the material and makes a recommendation.

Jones said there has been one formal challenge in five years. That was for a book titled "Dad, Dames, Demons and a Dwarf" by Mancow Muller.

The library system had two copies, so Jones bought extras for committee members to read. The committee recommended the book be retained.

"Instead of two copies, we now have seven," Jones said. "It's a little poetic justice there."

Dillinger described herself as a staunch defender of First Amendment rights.

"I did grow up in the '60s," Dillinger said. "I don't believe in censorship at all."

The library also stands up to government agencies that try to find out what materials individuals have checked out or viewed, Dillinger said. On occasion, agents from the FBI or the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement show up seeking such records.

"We tell them to get a subpoena," she said.

Saint Leo University's program featured a panel on the presidential election.

Hudson Reynolds, associate professor of political science, said that topic was chosen because there is so much interest in this year's campaign.

Reynolds planned to focus on the Electoral College, which he said is probably the "most misunderstood" constitutional provision. Many Americans don't realize they elect the president indirectly, he said.

Other Saint Leo speakers were Anthony Esposito, assistant professor of history; Marco Rimanelli, professor of political science; Heather Parker, assistant professor of history; and Jack McTague, professor of history.

Reporter Ronnie Blair can be reached at (813) 948-4218 or rblair@tampatrib.com.

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