"There's the church. There's the steeple. Open it up, and look at all the people!"

The time-tested playful teaching tool, necessitating the use of both hands, is still used by people with small children.

Building upon the metaphor, the truth is there are fewer people to see nowadays.

It is to be readily admitted that religious faith and going to worship are different things.

A fair-minded reader will note at least a loose relationship between the two ideas, however.

In the course of my work at the Southeast Missourian, information about the current religious attitudes of people occasionally pops up and intrigues me.

Case in point: according to Australia Bureau of Statistics (ABS), much has changed in 20 years when it comes to publicly identifiable faith professions.

Two English-speaking nations, Australia and our own country, are offered for your examination.

In the Southern Hemispheric nation's 2021 Census, 38.9% of Aussies identified as having "no religion," up from 15.5% in 2001.

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Christianity still claims 43.9% of Australia's citizenry, with Roman Catholics accounting for 20% of that figure and Anglicanism (Episcopalianism in the U.S.) with just under 10%.

By any measure, and this writer makes no claim to the accuracy of ABS' statistics, the drop in identification by two-fifths of the populace with a specific religious group is staggering.

In the U.S., the respected Pew Research Center shows adherence to religious faith -- never mind the private practice of the same -- is following a similar arc, albeit with a stronger representation by self-identified Christians.

The following statement is found in a Sept. 13 article, "Modeling the Future of Religion in America," on Pew's website.

"Since the 1990s, large numbers of Americans have left Christianity to join the growing ranks of U.S. adults who describe their religious identity as atheist, agnostic or 'nothing in particular.' This accelerating trend is reshaping the U.S. religious landscape, leading many people to wonder what the future of religion in America might look like."

This columnist is occasionally asked to preach in the Cape Girardeau area -- not often, though, and what I'm requested to do is plenty enough.

I've noticed some things in those churches and yes, things have definitely changed, probably permanently.

The pandemic has driven, out of necessity, churches to stream worship services when it was deemed unhealthy, perhaps even potentially lethal, to gather in groups.

Even as the pandemic eased and people began returning to their houses of worship, some continued to stay home and have watched from the comfort of their homes. It's a permanent change, I reckon.

I know of an area congregation who did return to in-person worship that still does not sing hymns congregationally for fear of spreading of the COVID-19 virus. That's truly an abundance of caution but wise, given the age of its members.

The impact of the twin bombshells of COVID, now considered endemic and "low risk" in Cape Girardeau County, plus the explosion in congregational ability to reach members remotely via Zoom and other methods, has altered what Pew calls "the religious landscape."

I'm not ready to say the sky is falling, nor am I prepared to throw in the towel.

There is a church within walking distance of my home that is without a gainfully employed pastor, and it seems to be doing just fine despite COVID, despite streaming worship, et al.

Others, admittedly, have struggled; some have closed.

In my religious tradition, these words may be found in liturgy: "The church is of God and will be preserved to the end of time."

An oft-told story about philosopher Fredrich Nietzsche, which is probably urban legend, has it that the 19th century German once said, "The church is dead."

Knowing the resilience of church people, witnessed during my long tenure leading congregations, leads me to take an opposing view.

To wit: "Nietzsche is dead."

Read more:
Column: Jeff Long: Accepting the notion of a leaner church (10/1/22) - Southeast Missourian

If you ever plan to stay at Poonthottam Ayurvedasram in Kerala, be prepared for a unique cannabis experience for the first time in India and Asia!

Poonthottam is a Malayalam word, meaning a flower garden and this Ayurveda ashram is situated amid the green landscape of Kulakkad hill region in Kerala. However, this is not the only reason why the place is gaining popularity. The prime reason people are talking about this ashram is that it has become Asias first cannabis wellness retreat!

What to expect at the ashram?

When here, be ready for some cannabis-infused Ayurvedic treatments and food. There are guided yoga and mindfulness sessions along with tantric psychology and not to forget some cannabis counselling sessions too.

What is AyurCann?

The retreat serves cannabis infused food which is approved by Ayurvedic experts at the resort. The food here is prepared using hemp seeds, oil and powder, such as salad dressing, in vegetable stir-fries, and while steaming idlis. In addition to this, there are hemp toiletries too.

Location

This 28-room Ayurvedic ashram is around a three-hour drive from Kochi airport.

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Kerala is now home to Asias first cannabis Ayurvedic retreat! - Times of India

The Aurangabad Bench of Bombay High Court recently directed the state government to extend the pay scale of watchmen in government Ashram Schools to temporary watchmen in private aided Ashram Schools, relying on the principle of equal pay for equal work.

"Considering the sound exposition of law on principle of equal pay for equal work to temporary employees in Jagjit Singh (supra), we have no hesitation in holding that the petitioners are required to be granted minimum pay in the pay scale admissible for the post of Watchmen/Security Guards/Multi-Tasking Staff engaged in the Government Ashram Schools", the court held.

A division bench of Justices Mangesh S. Patil and Sandeep V. Marne was dealing with a writ petition filed by watchmen of private aided Ashram Schools demanding equal pay as that of watchmen in government Ashram Schools.

Petitioner no. 1 is a union of teaching and non-teaching staff in Ashram Schools of the Tribal Development Department. The rest of the petitioners are security guards in various private aided Ashram Schools. The post of Watchmen/Security Guards for aided private Ashram Schools had a monthly honorarium of 3200/-, which was subsequently increased to 5000/-.

A Government Resolution dated December 12 2019, prescribed a pay band of 15000 47600 Rs for watchmen of government Ashram Schools. The petitioners approached the court demanding equal pay as the watchmen in government Ashram Schools.

Advocate A. D. Pawar for the petitioners invoked the principle of equal pay for equal work and submitted that the petitioners perform the same duties as the security guards posted in the government ashram schools. The eligibility criteria for both posts is also the same.

Assistant Government Pleader A. S. Shinde for the state contended that the petitioners knew and accepted the terms and conditions of the appointments. They cannot now demand regular pay scales. The posts are temporary; hence regular pay scales cannot be given.

The court examined various judgements on equal pay for equal work to temporary employees. The Apex Court in State of Punjab v. Jagjit Singh has held that in a welfare state, an employee cannot be paid less than another who performs the same duties.

The court observed that the state government has clearly discriminated watchmen in aided private Ashram Schools compared to those in government Ashram Schools. While it is true that the posts were conditional on payment of monthly consolidated honorarium, the question is whether the state government was justified in doing this in the first place.

The court said that it doesn't matter whether the post is temporary or permanent as the watchmen are performing the same duties. The state government is obliged to extend the same pay scales to temporary employees on par with regular employees.

The principle that teachers in aided private schools cannot be discriminated compared to their counterparts in Government schools applies in case of Watchmen also, the court said.

The Court further observed that in the present case issue is not about equation of pay scales of two different posts. It is about the extension of pay scales to temporary employees being paid honorarium in the light of the law laid down in Jagjit Singh.

The court held that the petitioners are required to be granted minimum pay in the pay scale admissible for the post of Watchmen/security guards/multitasking staff engaged in the government ashram schools.

Case no. Writ Petition No. 4300 of 2021

Case title Swabhimani Shikshak Va Shikshaketar Sanghatana Maharashtra Rajya v. State of Maharashtra and Ors.

Click Here To Read/Download Judgment

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Watchmen In Aided Private Ashram Schools Entitled To Equal Pay Scale As Those In Govt Ashram Schools: Bombay High Court - Live Law - Indian Legal News

Mysore/Mysuru: Avadhoota Datta Peetham Seer Sri Ganapathy Sachchidananda Swamiji said that we should remember the contributions made by great personalities of Mysuru such as H.C. Dasappa and Sahukar Chennaiah, as this will help inspire the people to follow their ideals and principles.

He was speaking after releasing journalist -author S. Prakash Babus book titled Mysuru Gandhi H.C. Dasappa and King Maker Sahukar Chennaiah at a programme organised under the joint aegis of District Kannada Sahitya Parishat and H.C. Dasaappa Vichara Samsthe at the Ashram on Nanjangud road here on Thursday.

Noting that it is the responsibility of everyone to remember our elders, Sri Swamiji regretted that our younger generation has been failing to do so citing lack of time in this era of mechanical life. He opined that we should take time to remember our elders. H.C.Dasappa, a well-known freedom fighter and Sahukar Chennaiah were two great personalities who are a source of inspiration for the younger generation, he added.

Recalling his association with Sahukar Chennaiah, Swamiji remembered an instance when his car had broken down near Mandya while he was on way to Bengaluru decades ago. Sahukar Chennaiah happened to pass by on the road and came to his help by getting water for filling the cars radiator.

Sahukar Chennaiah asked me whether I was Ganapathy Swamiji. When I said yes, he offered me a big site at Nazarbad as donation. Though I declined the site, Chennaiah simply transferred the site to my name, saying that I can give it to anyone I wanted. Later, the Ganapathy Ashram was established on Nanjangud road, when the Nazarbad site, which was donated by Chennaiah, was sold for a good price at that time. Since then, Ganapathy Ashram has been hosting programmes under his name. At one point of time, I told Chennaiah that I was leaving for Andhra, when he advised me to stay put in Mysuru and I have done so, the Seer recounted adding that he still remembers seeing the children of freedom fighter H.C. Dasappa once.

Veteran litterateur Dr. C.P. Krishnakumar (CPK), who is also the Asthana Vidwan of Ganapathy Ashram, said that the book author Prakash Babu has explained in detail the life and times of Dasappa and the generosity of Sahukar Chennaiah.

Pointing out that the book highlights Mahatma Gandhi calling Dasappa, whom he knew, as an honest and humble person, he said that the book also sheds light on the lesser known fact that Dasappa was one among the few who got an opportunity to offer Gangajal to Gandhiji during his last moments.

The book also makes a detailed mention of the life of Dasappas wife Yashodhara Dasappa, who was the first woman Cabinet Minister of Karnataka, CPK added.

Former Karnataka Sanskrit University Vice-Chancellor Dr. Padma Shekar too spoke.

Former MLC D. Madegowda, Vidyavardhaka Educational Institutions Secretary and former Mayor P. Vishwanath, H.C. Dasappa Vichara Samsthe Secretary Saroja Tulasidas, District Kannada Sahitya Parishat President Maddikere Gopal, Secretary Latha Mohan, former President M. Chandrashekar, author Prakash Babu, senior theatre personality Rajashekar Kadamba and others were present.

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Inspiration can be drawn by remembering great personalities: Seer - Star of Mysore

A 2018 photograph of the Jakhan river site in Dehadun . Members of the Beatles band took a halt here during their trip to Dehradun. A 1968 photograph of Paul McCartney at the site is available on social media. Image courtesy Raju Gusain

Strawberry fields could be forever, but sometimes Haldu trees dont last. The iconic Haldu tree (scientific name Adina cordifolia) which was the backdrop for a rare picture of music legend Paul McCartney during his tour to Dehradun in 1968 has been uprooted by the recent flooding in the Jakhan river. Paul and other members of the famous Beatles band visited the Himalayas to learn transcendental meditation from their Guru, Maharishi Mahesh Yogi.

Paul McCartney sitting on the roadside with a coal tar barrel/drum near him in Dehradun. Image from Pinterest

In the 60s, Rishikesh was tiny compared to what it is now, and the Beatles and their friends would have to come to Dehradun for shopping. The environs of the city took George Harrison under its spell and he even composed a song on Dehradun city.

The Beatles came to Rishikesh in mid-February 1968 and the trip created worldwide media hype. Among the Beatles, Ringo stayed for 10 days, Paul McCartney for five weeks, George Harrison and John Lennon each for eight weeks.

The bungalow where members of the Beatles band stayed in Rishikesh. The campus is now managed by the Rajaji Tiger Reserve of the Uttarakhand forest department. Image courtesy Raju Gusain

Not many photographs of the Beatles visiting Dehradun are available online and in published books, magazines and newspapers. A photograph available on social media shows Paul McCartney sitting on the roadside with a coal tar barrel/drum near him. Paul possibly got hooked on the sight of an old tree standing lonely right in the middle of the rain-fed Jakhan river, near Ranipokhri. It exhibited the determination and strength of a tree of surviving in tough conditions. Paul wasnt the only one; many people using the Dehradun-Ranipokhri highway used to get a similar feeling and they would click photographs of and with the old Haldu tree.

Ajeet Singh, the late owner of Pratap Music Shop in Dehradun, used to say that the Beatles band members and their friends came to Dehradun two or three times. Ajeet had played Vichitra Veena at the 25th birthday bash of George Harrison in Rishikesh.

The trip of the Fab Four to Dehradun was sudden and local photographers failed to click their snaps in the city. The Paul McCartney snap at Ranipokhri is the only photograph of the Beatles near Dehradun and was probably clicked by British film producer Denis ODell.

The 1968 photographs of Paul McCartney in the backdrop of dry Jakhan River also show two similar trees on the right side, but they got uprooted long back. The river becomes active during monsoon and is usually dry the rest of the year. The lone standing Haldu survived a major scare last year when flooding caused damage in the riverside area of Ranipokhri. A portion of the old Ranipokhri bridge got washed away in 2021. Last month, flooding created havoc and washed away the temporary road and also washed the iconic Haldu tree into history forever.

Ali Murtaza, monitoring the whitewash of the new Ranipokhri bridge, said, The 20 August flood washed away the electric poles and the temporary road. The tree also got uprooted this time.

The uprooted Haldu tree, which formed the backdrop for a photograph of music icon Paul McCartey in 1968 near Dehradun. Image courtesy Raju Gusain

George Harrison was highly motivated by the Dehradun visit and his song captures the road journey Many roads can take you there many different ways/One direction takes you years, another takes you days. The Dehradun composition was recorded during the recording of All Things Must Pass -his first solo album after breakup with the Beatles band- but it was never officially released. The song is available online (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k4RN0masLO8). In those days, commuters had to wait for long hours for public transport on Dehradun-Rishikesh highway; Harrisons lyrics mirror this: Many people on the roads looking at the sides/ Many others with their troubles looking for their rights.

The uprooted tree is still lying on one side ofthe Jakhan River. The exposed and upturned roots present a sad picture. The Haldu tree had even caught the fancy of Bollywood filmmakers in the 70s. Sudhir Raturi, village Pradhan (head) of Ranipokhri, says, It is sad. I saw the tree at that position from my childhood. It was unique. Old villagers used to say that the shooting of a Hindi film also took place there in the 70s, but we have failed to track the name and other details of the movie. The construction work of the old Ranipokhri bridge started in the early 60s and was near completion in 1968. The coal tar barrel featured on the photograph also hints that the blacktopping of the road was taking place at that time.

Wall painting of the Beatles with Maharishi Mahesh Yogi at Chaurasi Kutiya Ashram in Rishikesh. The erstwhile Ashram of Maharishi is now famous as Beatles Ashram among tourists. Image courtesy Raju Gusain

The tour of the boys from Liverpool played a key role in boosting foreign tourist arrivals to Rishikesh. Western media came and covered the spiritual journey of the Beatles at Maharishi Mahesh Yogi Ashram. Positive media coverage in the international media made the town located on the bank of Ganga emerge as a hot destination among Western tourists. The camp was located in the outskirts of the Rishikesh town and Ringo, John, George and Paul loved every moment spent in the holy township. The Beatles composed 48 songs, including a major part of the White Album, during their brief stay at the Ashram. The stay in the Himalayas is considered one of the most creative periods of the Liverpool boys in their career.

The uprooted Haldu tree, which formed the backdrop for a photograph of music icon Paul McCartey in 1968 near Dehradun. Image courtesy Raju Gusain

The Beatles and their friends adopted a simple lifestyle in Rishikesh. Pure vegetarian food was the norm, and lots of time was devoted to meditation, interacting with Maharishi Mahesh Yogi, composing music and visiting nearby places. The spiritual camp where the Beatles came is presently under the control of Rajaji Tiger Reserve. The land lease of Ashram ended in the 90s and it is now managed by the forest department. Tourists visiting Rishikesh can see the bungalow where the Beatles had stayed, at Chaurasi Kutiya in Rishikesh. Though the official name of the erstwhile campus of the Maharishi Mahesh Yogi Ashram is Chaurasi Kutiya, but it is more famous as the Beatles Ashram.

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Monsoon flooding washes away Iconic Haldu tree on Jakhan river near Dehradun that Paul McCartney took a picture with - Firstpost

Navapalli Natya Sanstha (NNS), a leading amateur Bengali theatre group in the capital, brought to stage Anandamath, a play based on a novel by Rishi Bankim Chandra Chatterjee. Navapalli always tries to furbish their productions with new theatrical innovations and experimentations and the play Anandamath(written in 1882) is again one such bold attempt. Directed by Biswajit Sinha and scripted by Soma Sinha and Biswajit.

The play, patriotism in nature, was presented at Bipin Chandra Pal Auditorium on 18 September. This mega venture coincides with Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav, an initiative of the Government of India to celebrate and commemorate 75 years of Independence.

The director explained to The Statesman that the play scriptis based on the most powerful and significant novel by Rishi Bankim Chandra Chatterjee, written in the background ofthe lesser known Sanyasi Rebellion of the 18th century and 1770s great famine of Bengal during the period of Company Rule in India. It depicts the untrained yet disciplined Sanyasi soldiers fighting and trying to beat the experienced East India Company forces.

He said, Anandamath is an apt production in this milieu of a festival of an awakening of the nation, the elixir of inspirations of the warriors of freedom struggle, their sacrifice, martyrdom, and elixir of new pledges and a rich tribute by bringing alive stories of unsung heroes who sacrifices have made freedom a reality.

The dramatic version is in ten acts, it takes us back to the glorious past and reignites patriotism. The sanyasi of Anandamath are not true sanyasis, but common people who take the symbol of sanyasi and leave their household so as to rebel against the British forces, he added.

The main protagonists are Satyananda Maharaj, the role played by Prodip Ganguly, the head of Anandamath, and his two disciples, namely Jibananda by Palash Das and Bhavananda by Seshadri Mitra.

The storyline begins with Jibananda and Bhavananda discussing the current scenario of devastating famine and planning to capture the ammunition of the British army.

Mahendra Thakur, a landlord of villagePadachinhastuck without food and water, was forced to leave his village with his wife Kalyani by Mousumi Acharya. He came in contact with the sanyasis of the Ashram and his wife Kalyani lost on way is, concurrently saved by Bhavananda Maharaj who takes her to the Ashram.

Satyananda Maharaj invokes the patriotic feelings in the mind of Mahendra who was earlier not reluctant but finally, he decides to serve the Mother Nation. Meanwhile, Kalyani attempts suicide so as to clear the path of her husband Mahendra for joining the Order. The Guru orders Mahendra to use his wealth to manufacture ammunition for the Anandamath.

Jibananda, the most accomplished and loyal disciple of Mahatma Satyananda, and later his wife Shanti, the role played by Soma Sinha,who is the only woman to join the Ashram and fight alongside her brave husband. Her appearance on stage becomes the turning point of the storyline. The joining of Shanti to the Order is very dramatic, who comes in the guise of a man. Shanti alias Nabinananda walks hand in hand with her husband and together reciting and singing Vande Mataram.

Meanwhile, Bhavananda who once rescued Kalyani gets attracted by her beauty and is ready to leave the Order.

At the close of the play, the decisive battle between the British and the Order is depicted. The East India Company attacks Anandamath, Company artillery opens fire inflicting several casualties, including the death of Bhavananda.Focused light falls in succession on the characters to give a glimpse into each of them, and is well-conceived and executed.

The British won the final battle. The story ends with Mahendra being returned back to his village, building a home again. Jibananda is grievously injured in battle. At nightfall, after the battle is over, Shanti discovers the seemingly lifeless body and grieves for him but revives him. They decide to go on a pilgrimage and live as ascetics. Satyananda Maharaj goes to the Himalayas for penances.

In terms of acting Palash DasandSeshadri Mitrasatisfy their directors brief, etching out their respective characters with creditable flair.Soma SinhaasShanti, who is always quite effective, shows the performative potential of her characters transformative moment, with her voice through and body projecting the climactic import of each scene. Other supporting characters performed well. It is worthwhile to mention thatDebabarta Sarkar and Tushar Chanda played the role of Captain He and singer Dhirananda respectively does their job withbrilliance.

Anandamathis an exhilarating and stirring play that will leave one inspired by the bravery of its characters.. The patriotic song ofVande Mataram(I revere thee mother) originated from the pages of this masterpiece, sung by the novels idealistic and nationalist saints fighting for their motherlands freedom.

The play is a well-knit version of a classical novel in Indian Literature, presented by a band of gifted actors, aesthetically executed, heightened by the spectacular presentation alongside skillful utilization of the plays main hymn Vande Mataram in different Indian ragas and instruments, imbued with the spirit of nationalism and selfless patriotism.

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'Anandamath' brings alive the freedom days of India - The Statesman

Silver City Public Library customers may now enjoy free access to The New York Times, The New York Times Cooking and The New York Times Games, compliments of the New Mexico State Library. The addition complements the librarys already substantial online media options available to its customers free of charge.Since late last year, library card holders have had access to free TV, music and movie downloads, e-books and audiobooks, online magazines, popular comics, language learning and genealogy research tools.Were very happy that thanks to the New Mexico State Library, all New Mexicans are able to access this vital, national newspaper, said library Assistant Director Lillian Galloway. Facilitating this access meets our librarys mission of providing access to information and ideas, and connecting people to the wider world.In addition to reporting on the most important national and international news of the day, the New York Times offers the latest information on nearly every topic, including financial management, parenting, politics and more.The New York Times Cooking is an inspiring cooking guide, innovative and interactive kitchen tool, and offers a diverse recipe collection that helps home cooks of every level discover, save and organize the worlds best recipes, while also helping them become better, more competent cooks, library officials said.The New York Times Games, meanwhile, have captivated solvers since the launch of the crossword in 1942. The newspapers experts create engaging word and visual games that stimulate and keep the mind sharp.To access The New York Times news, cooking and games for free, use the links on the Digital Services page on the librarys website, silvercitypubliclibrary.org.Other online platforms offered by the Silver City Public Library include Hoopla, Flipster, Comics Plus, Rocket Languages and Ancestry.com.Hoopla offers access to a wide variety of free TV and movie downloads, similar to Netflix, as well as e-books, audiobooks, comics and music, with a limit of five downloads per month per library card holder. The platform greatly expands and complements the librarys existing e-book and audiobook collection, accessible via Overdrive and the Libby app, which the library has been using since 2014.For magazine lovers, Flipster is an online platform offering popular titles such as the New Yorker, Atlantic Monthly, National Geographic, Popular Mechanics and Rolling Stone.Comics Plus dramatically expands the librarys comics collection and includes a built-in reader function, which allows patrons to flip page-by-page electronically. Content includes thousands of digital comics, graphic novels and manga frommore than 100 library-friendly publishers. Titles include popular and award-winning comics such as Avatar, Star Trek, Manga Classics, Bone, Locke and Key, Geronimo Stilton, Lumberjanes and Nancy Drew.Rocket Languages is a language learning app for people of all ages who want to learn any of 14 languages. The tool supports all types of learning styles visual, audio, reading and writing with 120 hours of interactive instruction in Spanish, Italian, German, French, Japanese, Arabic, Russian, ESL for Spanish speakers, American Sign Language even Baby Sign Language. The platform offers interactive lessons and games for helping users improve their conversational skills with native speakers, and a tool for recording ones voice and comparing it to the native speaker for improved intonation and pronunciation.Ancestry.com can be accessed on-site, and offers content not available elsewhere, according to Galloway.Genealogy researchers can access things like census records, ship manifests to check for passenger names, labor records and other helpful information, she said.Library staff have also dedicated time to creating thousands of pages of digital files of local newspapers and other content previously available only on microfilm and in print. The Daily Press and Silver City Independent, the Silver City Enterprise and other newspapers and publications are now electronically accessible using keyword searches and an alphabetized biography index, making research much easier.Often our customers are surprised by the amount of free, online content thats available, Galloway said. Were happy to have this opportunity to further expand these offerings.All of these new resources are available at no cost to library card holders using computer web browsers or mobile apps. For patrons without computers or internet access, all services may be accessed by using the computers and internet service available free of charge at the library. Hoopla, Flipster, Comics Plus and Rocket Languages will require users to create an online account with their library card number, and include content for adults, teens and children. Parents and caregivers are responsible for guiding minors to age-appropriate content.For more information, call the library at 575-538-3672 or email [emailprotected] Library hours are Monday through Thursday from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., Fridays from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. The library is closed on Sunday.

Lisa Jimenez is contracted by the town of Silver City as a freelance writer. She may be reached at [emailprotected]

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Free library card replacements next week

Lost your library card? First, check the lost and found at the library, or head to the library on Sept. 28, 29 or 30 to take advantage of free replacement card days.If youve lost your card, the free card replacement days are a great time to regain access to library services, both physical and digital, said Lillian Galloway, assistant director and programming and outreach librarian. Normally, replacement cards are $5, but from the 28th to the 30th, you can get a new card for free.

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Library adds free online access to New York Times - Silver City Daily Press and Independent

Amanda Jones found a death threat in her email on a Sunday morning, almost a month after she had spoken at a public library against censorship.

In July, Jones, who heads the board of the Louisiana Association for School Librarians, spoke up against censorship and book bans, specifically books about LGBTQ people and people of color, at her local public library in Livingston Parish, La. She endured dozens of Facebook posts and comments suggesting she was a pedophile, a groomer, and accusing her of pushing pornography on children.

But none of those messages from the local groups scared her as much as the death threat from a man in Texas, about four hours away from where she lived in Louisiana.

It was pretty explicit in the ways that he was going to kill me, Jones said. I was actually petrified.

The next day, Jones drove to the school where she works as a school librarian and as she was going to get out of her car, saw a man she didnt recognize walking around in the parking lot. She sat in her car for 10 minutes, afraid to leave. Eventually, she called her principal and asked him to check if he recognized the man. She only left her car when she found out it was a maintenance worker.

Now, Jones is pushing back, bringing suit against some of the Facebook groups where the harassment against her occurred. This week, a judge dismissed her case, but Jones vowed to appeal.

The librarians nightmare started on July 19, when Jones went to the meeting at the public library where she has been a member since 1983 to make her case against censorship of books dealing with LGBTQ themes and topics and books about people of color and racism, which have been common targets of book ban calls across the country.

A PEN America study about school book bans in the 2021-22 academic year said 41 percent of all bans are about books dealing with LGBTQ topics. Forty percent of the books banned have main or secondary characters of color, and 21 percent directly address race and racism.

Censoring and relocating books and displays is harmful to our community, but will be extremely harmful to our most vulnerableour children, she said at the meeting.

In her speech, Jones did not mention any specific titles but talked generally about censorship and book banning. She was among 20 or so people that spoke against book bans.

On July 21, a Facebook group called Citizens For a New Louisiana operated by defendant Michael Lunsford posted a picture of Jones with the caption Why is she fighting so hard to keep sexually erotic and pornographic materials in the kids section?

Lunsford said he was also at the meeting and made a public comment.

On the same day, another group called Bayou State of Mind, run by defendant Ryan Thames, posted a meme with Jones picture which said, After advocating teaching anal sex to 11-year-olds, I had to change my name on Facebook. Through the post, Thames revealed the full name Jones used on Facebook (which was not her legal name) and her school district.

After weeks of Facebook posts by the local groups against her, Jones said she is now harassed by people on Twitter and Facebook that dont even live in Louisiana. Her complaints to the sheriffs office against the Facebook groups amounted to nothing, but she said the police are working on extraditing the Texas man who sent her the death threat. The Livingston Parish Sheriffs office did not respond to requests for comment.

In a rare pushback against online defamation that some teachers and librarians have been subjected to since book ban efforts escalated, Jones filed a lawsuit against the Facebook groups Citizens For a New Louisiana and Bayou State of Mind, as well as Lunsford and Thames. She alleged that the groups have been defaming her for weeks online, saying they damaged her personal and professional reputation. Because of the groups, she said, shes received threats of violence and even the death threat. She sought damages, a restraining order against the defendants, and an injunction prohibiting them from posting about her online.

Its not just happening to me, its happened to tons of educators across the United States, she said. I do really encourage people when this happens to make sure they build their support system and weigh the pros and cons of speaking out. Sometimes in your communities and where you live, you have to do whats safest for you.

After the preliminary injunction hearing was rescheduled twice, the judge dismissed the lawsuit per the defendants request on Wednesday, saying that Jones was a limited public official because of her position with the librarians group and that the comments made against Jones were not defamatory and were just opinions. Jones said the verdict was disappointing, but she is planning to appeal.

The defendants said their argument was about the content of the books in the library and Jones had opened herself up to criticism because she decided to speak at the meeting.

Miss Jones decided she wanted to interject herself into this library board controversy, and shes trying to persuade everybody that her opinion is right, Thames attorney, Joseph Long, said. Well, when you do that, of course, youre going to get criticism and youre going to get support. And if you cant handle the criticism without having to file a lawsuit, you probably shouldnt get in the middle of the fray.

Jones also alleged in the lawsuit that she was called a groomer online, which means an adult who fosters a relationship with a minor, often with the intention of sexual abuse. The term has been coopted by the right to insult people advocating for LGBTQ issues. Long said Jones was called a groomer because she was advocating facts for young children.

And whether she was or whether she was not [a groomer]I mean, I dont think she wasbut one would argue if you advocate teaching sex to young children, that is a technique that groomers use to sexually abuse children, added Long, who said he did not make that allegation himself.

Long and Lunsford also said that the case was not about books containing references to LGBTQ characters or dealing with topics of sexuality.

It was just sexual content, whether its heterosexual or homosexual, it is not appropriate for 11- or 12-year-olds, Long said. That was a red herring early on, but that never came up in the hearing at all.

For his part, Lunsford said he never called Jones a pedophile or a groomer, or accused her of pushing sexually explicit content.

We simply asked questions of why is this material in the library? Why are these people fighting so hard to keep it in? he said.

He said he had also received threats to his life for speaking against Jones.

People on the fringe of both sides get a little carried away, he said. Its not appropriate, people shouldnt do it. Engage on the issue, whether this is appropriate for children or isnt it.

Citizens for a New Louisiana hasnt issued any book challenges relating to books about that lifestyle, Lunsford said, referring to the LGBTQ people. He said his organizations issue is focused on books such as the graphic novel, Lets Talk about It: The Teens Guide to Sex, Relationships, and Being a Human.

The explicit images in the graphic novel are inappropriate for children and thats what his organization objects to, he said.

But the stress of weeks of online harassment has caught up with Jones. The defendants have contacted her family members through social media, she said, and people have complained about her to both the Louisiana School Library Association, of which she is president, and to her school district.

She hasnt been able to focus at work and is suffering physical effects. Jones said starting in January, shes going to take a sabbatical from work for the spring semester. But Jones said even knowing what happened, she still would choose to speak up against censorship the way she did at that public meeting in July.

Why not me? Because somebodys got to do it, she said, Because these people, they dont stop. And Im just really sick of it.

Jones friend Kim Howell, who was the former president of the state school librarians association, said if this had happened to her, she wouldve left her job. She said she admired Jones for standing up to the defendants and fighting against censorship.

Howell and her colleagues at the association have been a major support system for Jones throughout this experience, Jones said, from financially contributing to the GoFundMe that allowed her to hire the attorney to offering emotional support.

It was just devastating to watch my friend be attacked personally and these lies told about her, Howell said. Amandas got moxie. Shes making a difference and Im 100 percent behind her.

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A School Librarian Pushes Back on Censorship and Gets Death Threats and Online Harassment - Education Week

The Lompoc Public Library is part of a new free service, Connected California, helping community members find low-cost digital products and receive help navigating online from the comfort of home.

The California State Library, supported by the U.S. Institute of Museum and Library Services under the provisions of The American Rescue Plan Act, has launched this service that connects community members in need of computer or internet assistance with digital navigator experts who provide personalized assistance in English and Spanish.

The program is available to everyone in California.

Digital navigators, part of the Connected California program, are skilled California library workers. They help people find low-cost internet service and devices for the home, so these community members can get online and learn basic computer skills to navigate the internet.

A navigator will respond within 24 hours (Monday-Friday), and work with individuals one-on-one to discuss their needs and learn how the navigator can help.

Those looking to receive digital assistance through Connected California are asked to call 1-800-790-5319 or send a text message to 626-873-8390. Other options to connect with a digital navigator are to send an email to [emailprotected] or complete an online form at https://connectedca.org/.

Lompoc community members looking for additional assistance with the Connected California program locally may call Lompoc Library staff at 875-8775.

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Lompoc Public Library Partnering With Connected California To Offer Free Online Help - Noozhawk

Bud Werner Memorial Library is hosting a Banned Books Week event at 7 p.m. on Thursday, Sept. 22. From Howl to Now: Book Bans in the U.S. is a virtual discussion that will bring PEN America and Bay Area authors together to talk about the rise in book bans across the country, in particular the suppression of books that address issues of race, gender and sexuality.

Banned Books Week, typically held the last week of September, is an annual celebration of the freedom to read. It originally launched in 1982 in response to a sudden surge in the number of challenges to books in schools, bookstores and libraries. The events theme this year is Books Unite us. Censorship divides us.

Participants in Bud Werners From Howl to Now virtual event can register for free at steamboatlibrary.org/events.

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Library to host virtual event in recognition of Banned Books Week - Steamboat Pilot & Today