Eviction Notice from Columbus Metropolitan Library
- Tamara Slack
- Tamara Slack
Yep! I got my own personal Eviction Notice from my public library. (I think my taxes still go toward it, right?) Anyway, I want to be sure my motive is right in writing this blog entry and that I honor the Lord. A lot of emotions rose up in me the past few weeks, but I've come to the end of it and realize that I would like to go ahead and post this for informational purposes. Maybe it's just a bunch of blah, blah to you, but you may want to check with your local library too to be sure if you leave a bookmark in your book, you won't get an Eviction Notice too.
A lot has happened since I received the first letter warning me that I was in violation of our local library here in Columbus, Ohio. That was December 12, 2007. A written letter was delivered to me that said,
"This is in violation of the Columbus Metropolitan Library's Code of Conduct: "Distributing / posting unautorized materials (materials must be submitted for review and approval before posting and distributing."
I agree, I did wrong. I should not have put material talking about Jesus Christ and how to get to Heaven in books at the library. Okay, so I stopped doing that because:
1. I wanted to please the Lord,
2. I wanted to obey the laws of the land.
However, a new letter that came certified mail about a week ago (dated 2/3/09) stated that now I am evicted from our local library (Columbus Metropolitan Library) and that if I re-enter the property, it is considered "an act of Criminal Trespassing" and that charges may be brought against me. Wow, huh? I always thought it took a lot to get punished by your public library.
As I stated, I did not go into the library and put gospel tracts about Jesus Christ in their books since I received the warning in December, so why am I now being considered disruptive and need to be removed from their property?
Simple, silly! I left my bookmarks in the books which are gospel tracts. That's apparently a no-no, don't 'ya know? Now to be fair, it could be that they are angry about my blank paper bookmarks.
As I read the Eviction Notice (which is stated in its' entirety below except for my card number, address, etc.), I figured they are talking about the bookmarks I use that went through the returns. My friends and I do street ministry and I have thousands of gospel tracts here at the house. We use them when we go out witnessing for Christ or just pass along to a stranger on the street, a grocery clerk, etc. I also use them as bookmarks in any books I read (whether the book came from the library or not, that's what I use for bookmarks). My husband does too, so I'm not the only Jesus Freak in this house!
The Eviction Notice says they are evicting me because of "Prior Warning." What? I haven't committed the "crime" of "Distributing / posting unauthorized materials" since their initial letter. Now sometimes I will use a blank piece of paper in my book for a bookmark or even a receipt if it's laying around. I'm not terribly particular about bookmarks; whatever works! So, I don't know, do you think they might be upset that my blank pieces of paper or receipts were left in the books when I returned them? (Don't worry, it's a rhetorical question.)
I do notice some bookmarks coming through to me that are in public library books. Question: have you ever noticed that you get a bookmark sometimes when you picked up a library book? Some things just get passed on like as if the person who had the book prior to you getting it was using a bookmark, right? I wonder if the people who leave their bookmarks in their return books (besides me, that is) are warned against such acts "that disrupt intended use of the library?" That's what my Eviction Notice says I did, "disruption." And I wonder if we should be calling our libraries when we get an unwanted bookmark? No, I don't think so. They wouldn't want to be bombarded with stupid, intolerant calls like that.
The question now is intent. Speaking of intent, I am laughing on the inside remembering one time when an Easton Mall officer told me that I could not come to the mall with the intent of talking with anyone; that I am to come to the mall to purchase things from stores. He said that I would be removed if I have the intent of conversing with people in my head as I came to the mall. Okay, you figure that one out! I told him there is no law that says if I go to the mall with the intent of having a conversation about Jesus Christ that I could be removed. He totally agreed, but went on and on about intent (kind of making it up as he went along). It just so happens I was talking to an pastor's kid who was an atheist at the time (I had no idea he was a pastor's kid) and the pastor / father walked up and told me to continue talking to his son about the gospel of Jesus Christ regardless of what the officer said. Hmmm! Obey God, man? Hard call, but I went for it and showed the young man that our default destination is Hell because we have all broken God's Commandments and need a Savior. Interesting, 'eh? I think the pastor had eternity on his mind and his son's soul. What did the officer have in mind? Oh yeah, that's right, he wanted to banish Jesus Christ from the mall, making up his own laws about "intent." Remember that if you let your teenager go to the mall... they better not have intentions of meeting up with another teenager and "hanging out." They should be shopping only! (end of sarcasm here)
Anyway, back to my intent about the bookmarks. Yes, I surely did not remove my bookmarks when I returned my books. I didn't see that as disobeying their rules because I was not going inside the library and "placing business card size materials related to the Providence Baptist Church" in their books. That's what the initial warning said.
I'm a Christian (soon you'll find out I don't want to be called that any longer - totally different blog post) and I want people to know their Creator. I don't want them to stand before a holy God one day and have to give an account and be cast into Hell. If you are a Christian, you understand. If you are not, go to the link I'm providing called "My Life After Death" and get that figured out soon about the state of your soul. I care about you no matter how much you don't like me or Jesus Christ. You don't know when you will die, so visit: MY LIFE AFTER DEATH
I want you to be knowledgeable if you happen to leave bookmarks in your library books on return that you too may receive an Eviction Notice and threat of going to jail if you enter your library. I don't know if this is just because my public library:
1. Doesn't like bookmarks,
2. Doesn't like bookmarks that have to do with Jesus Christ, or
3. Doesn't like me (okay, I just threw that one in! ;)
They do have anti-Christian meetings there, so #2 is a possibility. If #1 is true, I hope they crack down on those good-for-nothing-bookmark-leaving people! I'll tell you, there's nothing more intolerant than leaving a blank peice of paper in your book when you bring it back! Or one that mentions Jesus' Name...
I think of Mark Cahill at this point. You can visit his website for a wonderful book called, "One Heartbeat Away." He goes through stores and puts gospel tracts all throughout including inside the boxes of beer cans and says that if Cracker Jacks can leave a surprise for people, why can't he? I wonder if Mark Cahill has been evicted from his library yet.
So, you might want to check with your local public library to see if you would be warned if leaving a bookmark in your books. I don't care about your intent. I know they are trying to pass hate crime laws where if a Chrsitian tells a homosexual what the Bible says and helps them see they are sinners like the rest of us that we'll be thrown in jail, but I don't think bookmarks are in that arena... yet.
I haven't called the Whetstone Branch of the Columbus Metropolitan Library to see why I'm now considered "disruptive," but I don't see any use, really. If they did let me back onto the property to read their books, I would have to be extra careful making sure to walk on eggshells and not leave any type of paper in my returns. I don't think I need that kind of stress in my life.
This is how the EVICTION NOTICE reads (note: if you see words in all caps, that's how my Eviction Notice reads):
Columbus Metropolitan Library Security Division
96 S. Grant St.
Columbus, OH 43215
614-849-1270
YOU ARE HEREBY EVICTED FROM ALL PROPERTIES OF THE COLUMBUS METROPOLITAN LIBRARY FOR THE FOLLOWING CODE OF CONDUCT VIOLATION:
Engaging in act that disrupts intended use of the library.
Date: Until you contact Branch Manager or you contact the Assistant Manager or Manager of Security for further information.
Failure to abide by this eviction and re-entering our property while the stated eviction period is in effect will be considered an act of Criminial Tresppassing. Legal charges may be filed against you. Please comply with the terms of your eviction.
Eviction occrred at:
Date: 2-1-09
Time: 3:30pm
Branch: Whetstone
Specific Location (optional): Returns
Customer Information:
My name, card number, etc. is here.
Remarks: Prior Warning
Customers may appeal an eviction by contacting the Assistant Manager or Manger of Security at the above listed telephone number within 24 hours of receiving their eviction notices.
11 comments:
That is the most ridiculous thing I have ever heard!!! I would appeal it. I don't believe they have the right to evict you. I would check into that. The tracts you intentionally left, well you could stop that. Many people leave intentional or unintentional bookmarks. How can they even prove whether it accidental or purpose? This library can host anti Christian meetings? That just fuels the fire for me! Do they have the right to do that?! Satan hates evangelism. Obviously these people are under conviction being confronted with the Truth. Your heart is in the right place. I will pray that God shows you what to do, if anything. I got your back in prayer! Keep tracting!
Tracy
P.S.Let me know what happens.
Wow Tamara...I would love to share this on facebook and get people to call the library...bombarding them with calls as to the stupidity of such an eviction.How were you disrupting.Of course what I know of the American Library Society...they are a pretty heathen bunch. I think that someone high up in ranks even subscribes to the legality of child porn.I could be wrong, but I remembeer hearing an episode of (probably point of view) talking about how morally corrupt the library society was.My guess is you are dealing with some individuals who are being guided by the enemy and hate Jesus.Remember Ephesions 6 my sister....I need to be praying harder for you.Love you sister!
You know, maybe it'd be interesting to see how many people we can get to send them a letter along with a TRACT...
You know, there have been instances where in some countries the officials want to "approve" what you hand out... and the evangelists always smile about how they say "sure...here's a bunch of different things to read...enjoy!"
My husband said you should get as many people as you can to put tracts in the library books...delberately. And leave some for the librarians and anti Christians group too.
I'd send a letter and probably could get others to as well. Would it make a difference if I'm Illinois?
Tracy
I appreciate all your comments! Glad to see my brothers and sisters are out there and desiring God's Word be going out to the lost. One of my deepest desires for the Church is that we would wake from our slumber and realize the command of God is not just for someone with the "gift" of evangelism, but for all who have been redeemed to share their faith in the Lord Jesus Christ. It saddens me and greatly troubles me when I hear Christians say that they don't evangelize. What kind of people are given the gift of faith and don't tell people? That's scary, huh?
I think we need to first check our motives before we bombard the library (or libraries) with tracts, phone calls, and letters. I always have to ask myself when faced with a decision:
1. Will this make God look really good? In other words, is what I am about to do pleasing to Him and what an Ambassador for Christ is supposed to do?
2. What is my motive? (in this case, is it to show people I have rights on this evil, cursed planet or is it to love God and love my neighbor?)
3. Are there any repercussions that I would regret especially on God's children?
I would have to say my answers to these questions are:
I don't think bombarding the library with tracts and phone calls would do anything but agitate them. The Word says:
"Do not reprove a scoffer, or he will hate you; reprove a wise man, and he will love you." - Prov. 9:8
These are scoffers as the Columbus Library. They don't want the Good News. They don't even understand the Bad News. Wisdom says not to reprove them.
"And if anyone will not receive you or listen to your words, shake off the dust from your feet when you leave that house or town. Truly, I say to you, it will be more bearable on the day of judgment for the land of Sodom and Gomorrah than for that town." - Matt. 10:14,15
God will take care of judging those who reject His Son. If they would listen, then we wouldn't need Jesus' command above. We're to be salt and light so they may glorify our Father in Heaven. I don't want to be a flashlight, just the Lord's light. :)
Jesus made no claims to having rights on this planet while He was here for 33 years. He had nowhere to even lay His head. I can't see Him trying to take a stand to force heathens to give Him what He thinks He deserves. And as far as we go, if we understand grace and mercy for what they really are and the wretchedness of man, what is it we deserve? Nothing, not even a library card.
"'And you shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.' The second is this: 'You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’ There is no other commandment greater than these.” - Mark 12:30-31
I think mass mailing tracts to people who have already made it well known even by certified mail that they do not want to read about Jesus Christ would not be loving our neighbor rightly. It would not show the love of God. He is angry, but He doesn't show His wrath through His Saints forcing literature on them. He could just as well swallow them up by opening the earth under them... for some reason, He has given them more time though. I say we should shake the dust from our feet on this.
And most importantly, God has laid out a plan for His people about how to deal with opponents:
"Have nothing to do with foolish, ignorant controversies; you know that they breed quarrels. And the Lord’s servant must not be quarrelsome but kind to everyone, able to teach, patiently enduring evil, correcting his opponents with gentleness. God may perhaps grant them repentance leading to a knowledge of the truth, and they may come to their senses and escape from the snare of the devil, after being captured by him to do his will." - 2 Timothy 2:23-26
I want to correct my opponents with gentleness because my main objective is to glorify God and secondly to win people to Christ. I also want to be a godly role model for my son. I'm not saying that sometimes truth isn't conveyed to people through various means that may be considered harsh such as sarcasm which the Bible uses at times and an in-your-face kind of truth, but pushing an opponent will not lead them to a knowledge of truth where it will give the Lord room to work repentance in that person's life. In fact, it will only bring them to a heightened anger and God's children may suffer more for it.
I just want to do things the way the Lord says and that's how I see this situation... to be gentle, shake the dust off my feet, allow room for the wrath of God, not the wrath of Tamara, and to make God's name look great doing everything with love and the right motives, remembering this life is but a vapor and my citizenship is in Heaven regardless of whether I ever get another library card, can step onto their property, or they ever repent of their sin and come to Christ. :)
Forgiven much,
Tamara
Well said last comment post there Tamara. I just wanted to add that we should be praying for those that persecute us, that the Lord would speak to their hearts.
While I admire your efforts with "bookmarks", to which honestly I had never thought of doing before (I always make sure the book is free from any excess paper before I return it), I would suggest that evangelism can be done in many ways, and forms. God gives each of us a little creativity to approach each situation differently.
With that said, I always keep in mind that our focus should be on representing Christ in a positive and loving way. The lost cannot want what we have if we are engaged in litigation, or fighting them on their sin that they don't even recognize. We should always be salt and light in the world and continue to look for positive opportunities to reach folks for Christ. But always make sure the heart is receptive before pursuing sharing the truth of the Gospel. Without an open heart and mind there isn't much you can say that would be taken kindly.
Keep the faith!
Phillip
I agree that our motives need to be right. And everything must be done in love. Our flesh can rise up so easily and come up with all kinds of ideas to handle situations. But, God ideas are better than good ideas. I will really be praying. The most important thing is that these people can understand the truth about Jesus and get saved.
Tracy
Yes, we need to pray. How about we all commit to praying once a week for those not only at my library but at yours too? That would be pleasing to the Lord, I'm sure!
And Phillip, on the Facebook group, I totally agree with what you said. :)
Tamara
Tamara,
I just keep thinking that if we do nothing... (other than pray) What will these people do next? Have us sign a contract agreeing not to leave bookmarks upon getting a library card? Fining us? It's already come to eviction for you.
They have anti Christian meetings held there...Will they try to remove bibles and Christian literature? Is that even legal to have meetings like that? And if it is... What about hosting Christian meetings there?
I believe this is discrimination. There is no such thing as the "Bookmark" police. Your taxes pay into the library. I agree we need to lay down our rights and do things in a spirit of love and gentleness. However, there is a fight of faith as well We are in spiritual warfare here. My concern is this... If we don't take a stand somehow, what will they try to do next. Their evil endeavors succeed little by little by getting away with anything they can.
My husband is a music teacher and several public schools he has been employed at have tried to dictate that he cannot have the kids sing songs related to Jesus. They insisted on a Winter Solstice Program. My husband took a stand with the law and informed them that they can indeed include Christian songs, but must have a balance with other faiths. If he didn't take a stand then Christ would have been out of Christmas in these programs.
Please prayerfully consider a peaceful petition or individual letters to highest authorities in your area. Probably above the library's authorities. Sounds like they are in cahoots with this ridiculous eviction.
Prayerfully,
Tracy
Tracy,
I understand what you are saying. It's so tough in this world, huh? :( But, Jesus has overcome it! We have hope in Him!
I wanted to clear up something first. When I said, "anti-Christian" meetings, I meant things that are religious in nature but not having to do with Christ... so my words should have been non-Christian meetings having to do with life and death or whatever. The Lord says that whoever is not with Him is against Him and that He is the only way to the Father... so my words were theologically correct, but I should have clarified it I guess. :)
I don't know where the line is to be drawn, honestly. I mean, if I were a school teacher and they said I couldn't bring a Bible to school to put on my desk and there is no law about that, then I would use the laws of the land to help me. In this instance, they have rules set up already that say no distribution of material without their prior consent. So I was wrong the first time to do it because I broke their rules. The second time, I was kinda wrong, but kinda not, 'ya know? Like I was wrong in that I knew the "bookmarks" were in there and didn't remove them, but not wrong in that I wasn't distributing materials in the way they described.
So, with that said, I think we need to look at Jesus Christ and the early Church. They didn't fight for their rights. They had very little rights, and what they did have were taken away, such as their lives. When Paul was jailed and beaten, he took it, but he appealed to the officials too. There's a balance there that I'm not sure about yet... I'm not quite as mature as Paul yet! lol
Believe me, I would go kicking and screaming if the government decided to take my children just because they wanted them. There is a line there; I just don't know how far we are to take it... library card vs. removal of children is a vast difference, same principal though.
Remember when Jesus was being taken from the garden and Peter struck the guy and cut off his ear? Jesus didn't want that. ALL of Jesus' rights were being taken away... the Lord of glory, the Author of Life! And He said, "no" to Peter about that.
Right now we are protected by the 1st Amendment where we can have free speech just as much as wiccans, atheists and Muslims do (well, I know that's being taken away slowly, but it's still in place for now). Take a brother who was just told to leave a homosexual parade because he was "offending people." He didn't fight the police officer, but he is using his 1st Amendment right to contact an attorney. I think that is right. God gave us laws we can use while we are still on earth. But, if the government changes those laws, what can we do anyhow? It's happening in Canada - if you witness to a homosexual using the Bible, jail time and/or a fine also.
When you ask me to consider a peaceful petition, are you saying bombard them with calls and tracts and letters? I'm not sure what you mean by peaceful petition.
Tamara
Hello Tamara,
I wasn't sure if you received my response to your comment. I wanted to thank you for clearing up what you meant. I misunderstood.
By peaceful petition I meant to express our displeasure with your eviction in a polite, Godly way and have others sign it.
Tracy
Post a Comment