Elmbrook's Online Library, Sora, Raises Red Flags with Parents
District Librarian says "Sora has played an important role as Elmbrook diversifies its collection [...] with a DEI lens [...] the district also made sure to curate digital book collections..."
Since at least July 2021, community members have come forward voicing concerns with Sora, Elmbrook’s online library app. Notably, on 7/13/21, the Wisconsin Institute for Law & Liberty (WILL) stepped in on behalf of Elmbrook parents when sexually explicit content was found on Sora that was available to elementary students. (Additional details in previous updates.)
Concerns with Sora are not limited to Elmbrook. Nationwide, parents are seeing issues and speaking out. As an op-ed from 12/16/22 pointed out, Sora can circumvent curriculum restrictions and can easily allow explicit content.
This op-ed continued:
“Sora is mostly free content so no one can complain. It makes its money off your children. It hyperlinks them to outside sources like adult dating sites after teaching them how to engage in explicit sex. It hyperlinks them to all sorts of unwanted and unknown sources. It then uses an algorithm to show them more of the same content once they have looked. It’s collecting data the entire time. Eventually, they are advertising specifically to your children to change their attitudes.”
Kay Benning, Elmbrook’s Director of Library Services, was interviewed for a May 2022 publication by OverDrive, the company that makes the Sora app. The publication notes that Elmbrook engages in “reading data tracking (including time spent reading) to keep students engaged and accountable.”
The publication also says “Sora has played an important role as Elmbrook diversifies its collection. Recently, the district rolled out a ‘Books for All’ project, providing a core set of books for each classroom and grade level across the district with a diversity, equity and inclusion lens. To augment this collection and support virtual learners, the district also made sure to curate digital book collections in Sora.”
On 12/13/22, Sora circulation was listed as a benchmark for success in Burleigh’s $896k library remodel discussion. A board member asked why digital book usage would be a benchmark for a physical library remodel. Responses start at 3:03:45 from both Kay Benning and Chris Thompson, which includes Kay saying technology in libraries is used to model how to checkout digital items and at 3:05:15 “reading spurs reading.”
District senior leadership does not appear to want to address Sora, so parents have taken matters into their own hands. Parents have already successfully had Sora removed from their childrens’ devices. To do so, contact:
Dan Scott
Director of Technology
262-781-3030 x11166
UPDATE: A video was shared with us showing exactly how hyperlinks in books in Sora take kids to outside websites.