This time of year is a bit difficult for me. We got our shipment of supplies for our library Halloween party, and I found myself reading the ingredients with increasing disappointment as every single snack I used to enjoy as a kid is now off-limits.
Shopping for food is always a chore as I read through the labels on everything to make sure the corporate scum who run the food industry haven't changed them to add dairy somewhere it has no business being. Deli and restaurant orders are even worse, because I have to trust the clerk or waiter to read the ingredients in the back room and know whey is dairy but eggs are not.
This post isn't meant to be a pity party, though. I just want to illustrate the kind of vigilance I need to maintain every single time I feed myself. I am often extremely frustrated by the obstacles in my way and the effort I need to put forth, but I don't expect the grocery stores that serve everyone to only stock things I like and can eat safely.
If you have any qualms about books, films, or music, don't ask us at the library to censor our collection any more than I demand grocers limit their stock. Similar to the grocery store, libraries have material for everyone. We serve the entire public, and with the exception of things like literal pornography, we don't restrict our collections.
We do our best to label items according to their audience. Movies have ratings information. Music has explicit content warnings. Books have cover blurbs. If you have questions, ask us! We offer reader's advisory as one of our core library services. In addition, myriad websites offer reviews based on various religious and moral codes.
I am sorry that you can no longer enjoy the foods that you used to enjoy. You are so right about libraries, they are for books, all books not to be censored.
Both my kids have tree nut allergies. It is increasingly difficult to find any store bought item that doesnt have the "May contain traces of tree nuts" label. They are placing it on everything now. I sometimes wonder if it is not a CYA (cover your ass) move on the part of corporate America to ward off any potential lawsuits even in the case of accidental contact.
Some people risk anaphylactic shock at the slightest cross-contamination from shared equipment. Thank God I am not in that boat, but those CYA notices still require some quick web checks to see how big the risk really is nonetheless.
I remain baffled by the "dairy-free topping" , the label of which also states "contains milk." I can't remember now which one it was, however.