There have been times in the past when I have been critical of the Indianapolis Star, particularly during periods of time when the newspaper’s owner, Gannett, has laid-ff journalists.  The Star’s staff of journalists is much smaller than years ago.

I am going to compliment the Star here and now.  I am issuing kudos for the reporter Rachel Fradette and the Star’s editors that provided her the time to write a long-form piece about the Hamilton East Library Board.

The Board made international news recently when best selling author, and Indianapolis area native, John Green publicly took issue with the Board’s policy of reviewing every book in the young adult section based on standards the board wrote about content in those books.

Reporter Rachel talks to a number of sources in this piece, published on the Star’s Web site Thursday morning.  One important source she cites are teens themselves.  She points out that the library has a teen advisory group that was never consulted about the young adult book section review.

Anyone interested in the Hamilton East Libraries, serving Fishers & Noblesville, should read this article.  In fact, anyone interested in libraries and their policies should read this piece.  It is well sourced and well written.

You can read the article at this link.

The only reason the Star is able to produce this kind of journalism is because people subscribe.  I have seen many comments about the rising cost of a print subscription to the Star.  However, online IndyStar subscriptions are not that expensive.  In order for the Star to continue with coverage like this, it needs subscribers.  Once again, I urge everyone –  subscribe to your local media!