During the first week of October, the American Library Association (ALA) “celebrates” an exercise in self-delusion called “Banned Books Week.”
“For more than 40 years,” the ALA insists, “the annual event has brought together the entire book community – librarians, teachers, booksellers, publishers, writers, journalists, and readers of all types – in shared support of the freedom to seek and to express ideas, even those some consider unorthodox or unpopular.”
In my experience, libraries are notoriously hostile to “unorthodox or unpopular” ideas when those ideas come from the right. Fueling that hostility are insecure, left-leaning women, the “Karens” of our sidewalk encounters and sleepless nights.
I had my suspicions confirmed last week when the board of the Darwin Barker Public Library in Fredonia, New York, chose to “disinvite” me from a speaking engagement arranged by a brave part-time librarian.
The subject was my new book, “Untenable: The True Story of White Ethnic Flight from America’s Cities.”
As I recounted in last week’s column, library director Graham Tedesco-Blair blithely emailed me, “Recent developments have led us to re-evaluate the suitability of your views and opinions for our diverse audience as well as the potential impact they might have on the inclusive and welcoming atmosphere we strive to foster within our library community.”
Last week I speculated, “By ‘recent developments’ – I’m guessing here – he means an ideological Karen or two called in to complain that the library was hosting someone with whom they were likely to disagree.”
In the week since, my speculation has been confirmed. The president of the library board emailed my wife, “So, very soon after our website posting which announced Jack’s appearance at the Barker we began to receive numerous correspondence ranging from general disbelief to adverse protestations from with in the local community.”
He then added, as though this detail were necessary, “Oddly, all of this response came from women.” I should clarify here. All Karens may be women, but not all women are Karens.
Upon hearing of my disinvite, one women, whose actual name is “Karen,” invited me to speak at the Chautauqua County TEA – Totally Engaged Americans – Party at their upcoming meeting. “And,” she added wryly, “you will not be disinvited.”
Once the word got out other local women emailed their sentiments – ranging from general disbelief to adverse protestations – letting Mr. Tedesco-Blair know what they thought of the library’s decision.
Unlike the Karens, these women knew exactly what they were protesting, namely a publicly funded betrayal of the library’s core mission by its director and board of trustees.
“I am absolutely appalled at your decision to cancel Jack’s book presentation,” wrote Virginia. “Your job as library director is to provide open, unbiased access to information and viewpoints from many different sources regardless of who might or might not be offended.”
“You have made me ashamed of being a resident of Chautauqua County,” said Beth in an email. “I have just become aware that you ‘disinvited’ a nationally known author due to your concerns about ‘diversity.’
“You only care about diversity when it lines up with your little cause,” Beth continued. “Such a small, small man you must be. You can’t even stand up to a few Karens who couldn’t bear the thought of letting someone with whom they disagree speak to people who wanted to hear him.”
Some women were more delicate in their approach. “Just wanted to let you know I emailed the director,” Kathy emailed me, “and very politely told him he sucks for canceling your speaking appearance.”
On Aug. 15, the brouhaha made the local newspapers. Although awkwardly titled – “Author Critical Of Library After Talk Canceled” – the article was more than fair.
Reporter John D’Agostino added this helpful clarification: “According to one slang dictionary, Karen is a pejorative term for an obnoxious, angry, entitled, and often racist middle-aged white woman who uses her privilege to get her way or police other people’s behaviors.”
The slang dictionary is harder on Karens than I would be. Those Karens I know tend to be more anxious than angry. Lacking confidence in their own beliefs, they are as wary of dissent as Dracula is of dawn. Unfortunately, they are destroying America, one local library at a time.
Fortunately, though, not all librarians are as feckless as Mr. Tedesco-Blair, an honorary Karen and the newly named “New York State Librarian.”
The librarian who extended the original invitation defies the norm. “Your cancellation by the library is a hot topic,” she said in an email to me. When I expressed my regret at her predicament, she consoled me, “I am not sorry I was involved.”
There is hope for this country yet.
Jack Cashill’s new book, “Untenable: The True Story of White Ethnic Flight from America’s Cities,” is available in all formats.
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Starting the Day With a Scripture-Inspired Roast Helps Center Your Thoughts on Eternal Truths Amid Temporal Pressures
The world can seem chaotic, especially right after we wake up. Many believers start their mornings reaching for something familiar — a hot cup of coffee — yet end up settling for mediocre brews that do little more than deliver a caffeine jolt. The daily grind of life, with its endless distractions, news cycles, and responsibilities, can leave even the most faithful feeling spiritually parched alongside their physical fatigue. What if your morning ritual could do more than wake you up? What if it could ground you in truth, nourish your body with exceptional quality, and quietly advance a kingdom purpose at the same time?
That’s the promise — and the reality — behind Promised Grounds Coffee. This Christian-founded company doesn’t just roast beans; it approaches every step as an act of worship and discipleship. By selecting only the top 10% of specialty-grade beans, ethically sourced from dedicated farmers in Central and South America, and small-batch roasting them with reverence in Austin, Texas, Promised Grounds delivers what many describe as the best coffee available — never burnt, never bland, but rich with origin stories and layered flavors that honor God’s creation.
From the vibrant Psalm 27 Roast (a light, bright medium option) to the bold yet peaceful 2 Timothy 1:7 Decaf, each bag carries a Scripture verse that turns your daily pour into a gentle reminder of faith. And through their Ounce Per Ounce Promise, every ounce of coffee you enjoy provides an equal ounce of clean water to families in need via partnership with Filter of Hope — literally brewing hope for body and soul, one cup at a time.
The challenge for today’s Christians runs deeper than finding a decent cup. In an age of convenience-driven consumerism, it’s easy to support companies that dilute values or remain silent on matters of faith. Many believers want their everyday choices — from what they drink to how they spend — to reflect discipleship rather than just convenience. Promised Grounds solves this by weaving Christian excellence into the entire process: beans nurtured with prayerful stewardship by farming families, roasted as an offering rather than a commodity, and packaged with Bible verses to encourage a mindset of gratitude and purpose from the first sip. Reviewers consistently praise the smooth, rich profiles — whether enjoyed black in a drip maker, iced on a warm day, or shared in fellowship — noting how the quality stands toe-to-toe with premium secular brands while delivering something far more meaningful.
This integration of faith and flavor addresses a real need in Christian households and ministries. Busy parents, church leaders, and remote workers alike report that starting the day with a Scripture-inspired roast helps center their thoughts on eternal truths amid temporal pressures. The coffee’s exceptional character — bright citrus notes in lighter roasts or deep chocolate undertones in bolder ones — comes from meticulous selection and careful roasting that respects the bean’s natural gifts rather than masking them. It’s the kind of coffee that elevates a simple quiet time, fuels productive workdays, or sparks meaningful conversations when shared at Bible studies or outreach events. And because it’s ethically sourced with integrity, every purchase supports sustainable livelihoods for farmers who treat their crops like family harvests.
For those leading churches or small groups, the impact multiplies. Promised Grounds offers bundles and options perfect for hospitality ministries, turning ordinary coffee service into an opportunity to point people toward the living water of Christ. Imagine greeting visitors with a warm cup whose very bag carries God’s Word — a subtle yet powerful witness that aligns with the Great Commission. The company’s Texas roots and commitment to “brewing hope” resonate especially with believers who value American enterprise paired with global compassion.
Of course, quality alone isn’t enough if the experience feels out of reach. Promised Grounds keeps it accessible with practical perks like free shipping on orders over $40, sample sets for discovering favorites, and thoughtful add-ons such as faith-themed mugs. Whether you prefer whole beans for fresh grinding, grounds for convenience, or even bulk options for larger households and ministries, the result is consistently superior coffee that makes discipleship feel integrated rather than added on.
As you consider how to align even the smallest habits with your walk with God, Promised Grounds Coffee stands out as a refreshing solution. It tackles the dual problems of subpar daily sustenance and disconnected consumption by offering a product that genuinely excels in taste while advancing a mission of clean water, farmer dignity, and scriptural encouragement. Believers who make the switch often describe it as more than a beverage upgrade — it becomes part of their rhythm of gratitude, a daily invitation to remember that every good gift comes from above.
If you’re ready to transform your mornings (and perhaps your church gatherings) with coffee that honors both exceptional craftsmanship and Christian values, I encourage you to explore what Promised Grounds has to offer. One sip at a time, you’ll be nourishing your body, refreshing your spirit, and participating in something far greater — all while enjoying what truly is among the best coffee available.