WARNING: Long, book-nerdy post to follow. But the short version: “VOTE FOR MIKE NUCKOLS IF YOU LOVE BOOKS!”
This morning I was invited to speak before the Haddonfield Public Library Board of Trustees, which was an invitation that meant a lot to me personally.
I let them know where I stand as a candidate. I’m in favor of a diverse curriculum that presents a range of views and perspectives. I’m also in favor of treating our teachers like the professionals they are and trusting them to lead the vibrant discussions that have produced a district that is among the best in the nation.
I also made it very clear that I’m firmly against banning books.
Books are emotional for me. Consider this…
In the 1940s, Hitler’s words were blaring all over the world.
At the same time, a 14-year-old girl was putting her words down in a journal as she hid in an attic.
Here we are 80 years later. Hitler’s words are long since silenced. But that little girl’s words?
The Diary of Anne Frank has sold over 30 million copies and has been translated into 70 languages. Every year it is taught in thousands of classrooms across the globe.
That’s the power of books.
Here’s how they’ve affected my life…
- In my 20s, I spent a year living in my car and driving around the United States. Reading Jack Kerouac’s On the Road, was a huge reason why I did that.
- Over the years, I have been told many times in subtle and not-subtle ways that my wife is out of my league. How did I get her to fall for me? On our first date, we spent at least two hours talking about books and bonding over how much they mean to us.
- Inkwood Books keeps at least 6 copies of John Steinbeck’s Cannery Row in stock, because I buy it so often as a gift for people who are going through hard times.
I genuinely believe that books have the power change the world, and the power to change the individual world of children who read them. And I think the group of people I met with this morning are on the front lines of changing the world.
It was my absolute honor.
Final campaign-related note: As recently as 2020, there have been attempts to ban A Diary of Anne Frank. I am the candidate that has publicly come out against banning books, and this is part of the reason why.
Important voting info
- Deadline to register for mail-in ballot in Nov 1 (request yours).
- Important for students away from home
- Important for voters away for Fall Break
- General election is November 8th
NuckolBall 
Hi…Wade’s mom here. I’m as conservative as they come. Can’t imagine wanting to ban the Diary of Anne Frank, but I do believe that great care must be given in what books should be available to kids. I don’t want graphic sexual manuals, for instance. Like you, books opened up the world to me. By 5th grade, I had read Uncle Tom’s Cabin. Gone With the Wind and The Last of the Mohicans, books that introduced a child living in a very insular world to the evils people visit on other people. Good luck to you. I wish you well.