Library Offers Tarot in Hopes of Drawing Teens
Wednesday April 16, 2008
It's no secret that it can be hard to get teenagers to use the libray -- after all, they tend to spend a lot of time focused on other stuff. One library in Canada has offered Tarot classes in the hopes of drawing teens in. Librarian Dinah Gough says that part of the library's goal is to find things that appeal to teens, in the hopes of drawing them into the building. Once there, they can see how many great services the public library has to offer. In addition to the upcoming Tarot class, the Oshawa Public Library has offered scrapbooking sessions, a self-defense class and a chocolate making workshop.
Not everyone, however, thinks the Tarot class is a good idea. Susan Packer, a local elementary school teacher and librarian, asked the library to cancel the program, saying it was inappropriate. "I believe that tarot reading is a dangerous practice. Teenagers who might attend the program offered at the library will be dabbling in the occult."
Gough said she respects Packer's right to object, but the program won't be cancelled simply because a few people might find it troublesome. She says, "There's a difference between not wanting your own children to take part in something and not wanting other people's children to."
The two part class, taught by author Zsuzsana Summer, concludes on April 26.
Not everyone, however, thinks the Tarot class is a good idea. Susan Packer, a local elementary school teacher and librarian, asked the library to cancel the program, saying it was inappropriate. "I believe that tarot reading is a dangerous practice. Teenagers who might attend the program offered at the library will be dabbling in the occult."
Gough said she respects Packer's right to object, but the program won't be cancelled simply because a few people might find it troublesome. She says, "There's a difference between not wanting your own children to take part in something and not wanting other people's children to."
The two part class, taught by author Zsuzsana Summer, concludes on April 26.
I’m an American Tarot game player with an interest in Tarot history and this program mentioned in this news article attracted my interest. I have no problems with people reading Tarot cards and I don’t really think it’s dangerous but shouldn’t the library also present card games played with Tarot cards in the interests of multi-culturalism. It seems that everything in anglophone literature on Tarot is very one-sided in its focus on the divination uses of the cards. Although I am American, I am aware of a Quebec Tarot Federation in Canada where they play the modern French Tarot card game. It would be good if libraries also devoted some time to the gaming aspects of Tarot cards
I think offering classes on Tarot is neat. I hope the library continues to offer the class.
The chocolate making workshop sounds fun too!
It’s a great idea, but perhaps they should consider offering classes on various other religious/spiritual practices so that they cannot be accused of being unbalanced. Just a thought.
Its a good start. If it works out well maybe they will bring in other practices. Kids these days and young adults are too much into tv and games. I miss when we use to climb trees and play in the rivers. And a bicycle was a needed necessity.
I think if more places offered such classes, just maybe others would not feel so threatened by what thye do not understand. Before I became a wiccan/witch I was born and raised a Catholic. I left the church many years ago becasue of thier actions, did not understand witchcraft and thought it was something dangerous. Until I started reading books and studying wicca I did not know what I was missing and since then I felt as though I have come home. So personally I think more such classes should be taught, not to go against Christianity, but to inform.
Moonshadow
Saying that tarot is dangerous just shows how little this person actually knows about it.
that’s a really awesome idea.
& if some people think it’s dangerous [even though it's not] they shouldn’t participate. it’s that simple. people need to stop trying to control other people’s actions.
Just in defence to teenagers, I am one and I go to the library every day its open.
Now, to get to the serious matter, I think its a great idea to hold Tarot classes. I must confess Im usually the youngest one there, and it would be great to see kids as interested in the library as I am. As for not closing the classes because some person is angered by it, go Mrs. Gough! But I have a feeling we havent heard the last of Mrs. Packer. People like this usually don’t quit. And I agree with alexis. If you dont aprove of something, don’t participate. No one is making them.