The Highland Park Public Library today announced that it would move its May 20 board meeting to June 5, when it is slated to discuss the appearance of the author of a controversial children’s book on Palestine.
Golbarg Bashi, a Pace history professor and former Rutgers Iranian-studies instructor, penned the book, P Is for Palestine, and had been tapped to speak at the library, generating considerable concern from the community, including from the Borough’s Jewish community, for its content.
Residents concerned by the author’s appearance and the alphabet book, which assigns the letter I to “Intifada.” Residents and individuals from other groups are also expected to attend to defend Mr. Bashi and the book’s content.
The library shelved the speaker for now, opting to discuss the issue at its May 20 meeting. This afternoon, the library announced that meeting would be put off for two weeks so it can accommodate a large public turnout.
Due to the overwhelming public response to the children’s program “P is for Palestine”, the Library Board’s May 20 meeting is being rescheduled for June 5 at 7:30 pm. The Library is actively seeking a venue that can accommodate the expected turnout of the public. When the Library secures a venue, proper notice will be provided including updating our website.