B. Dalton’s Books Reflect Diversity

* Recently you printed a letter (“Censorship Issue?” Aug. 9) accusing B. Dalton Bookseller (in Orange) of censoring what books should be sold, or not sold to our customers. Apparently a customer was shopping in one of our stores and noticed that we were temporarily sold out of Rush Limbaugh’s “The Way Things Ought to Be,” one of our all-time bestsellers. When the customer questioned the bookseller on duty whether or not the book was available to purchase, he was given an explanation, solely based on the bookseller’s personal point of view--not the view of B. Dalton Bookseller.

At B. Dalton, we do not feel that we have the right as a retail organization to censor the reading tastes of the public. Clearly, we live in a highly diverse culture, and books reflect that diversity, which is why we carry a wide variety of books.

We want to express our appreciation to the many concerned individuals who took the time to contact our stores and office, thus allowing us the opportunity to undo some of the damage and negative press that unfounded accusations can create. And yes, we carry “The Way Things Ought To Be” and are (eagerly) anticipating the November release of “See, I Told You So.”

JEANIE PRUKOP

District Manager, Los Angeles East

B. Dalton Bookseller