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My name is Ashley Parker and I am the Librarian for the Malvern-Hot Spring County Library. I have been with the library since October and I love the library and the Hot Spring County community. In an effort to make a new life for myself and to become a more integrated part of the community, I have recently purchased a home here in Malvern.
Because I have grown to love this community so much, it hurt me deeply when a couple of well intending patrons came to me expressing a concern that they had about a rumor that has been circulating around town. I had no knowledge of this rumor and the explanation astounded me. I was told that there are certain members of the community who are stating that I am an atheist and that I am removing any and all materials related to the Christian faith from the library. This rumor is more than hurtful, it is false. Since joining this community as an employee of the county, I have found the people here to be warm and welcoming. I feel like I have found my niche here in the library and in Malvern itself. I know that not everyone will agree with all the decisions I make, but when making decisions I always have the community, the law, and the Library Bill of Rights in mind. I would never intentionally make a decision that would threaten the value of the library to the community. I have quickly developed a love for this community and I only wish to see it thrive. I hope that in the future the public is willing to address their concerns about the library to me so that I can quell any other false allegations and defend myself properly. I hope that the community continues to accept me and support me, both as an individual and as a leader in this community. It is my sincerest wish that the community is willing to open its arms and accept me as one of its own. Sincerely, Ashley Parker |
