The principal of a middle school in White Bear Lake, Minnesota is facing criticism after numerous pictures on social media showed dumpsters in back of the school filled with old library books.
The throwing away of the books was part a “weeding” procedure School Principal Christina Pierre said.
In a message sent to parents of students at Sunrise Park Middle School, Pierre wrote: “The weeding procedure is important to help us find a new home for books 10 years and older to ensure that materials are keeping up-to-date with the needs of ever-changing curriculum, school goals and student needs.”
Pierre says staff followed appropriate protocols, first trying to donate as many books as possible, as well as distributing some to Little Free Libraries in the area. Organizations would not accept the books due to old content or because of safety precautions due to the Covid19 outbreak, she said.
One parent, Ryan Swanson, drove out to investigate the situation for himself after seeing a picture of the discarded books on social media – this according to FOX 9 in Minnesota.
“I was so mad, I just left,” Swanson said.
The discarded books all appeared to be non-fiction and included topics such as Native American history, the Constitution and World War II.
Swanson says he gathered about 30 books and saw others filling up bins to donate as well.
He has since spoken to the principal but still says he feels the situation was handled poorly.
Photo by Ryan Swanson via Facebook