An advisory board overseeing the public library in Homer has voted to keep scores of books containing supposed LGBTQ themes in the children’s and young adult sections instead of moving them to a separate location after complaints were made.
The petition asked that books “promoting transgender ideology, drag queens, homosexuality, and all other books which are intended to indoctrinate children in LGBQT+ ideologies” either be removed or not be available to children “to stumble upon these confusing ideas” in the children’s library or in the juvenile section.
Berry consulted with staff at the library and denied the request. Another patron appealed to the advisory board, which has final say. The board’s four-hour meeting Jan. 17 included public comments and the board considering the fate of each of the books individually. “The books that some would like to have removed are written for children, recommended by library professionals and selected by our own library professionals as appropriate for our community,” testified Nancy Lord, who said she reviewed many of the books in question and investigated how the books are categorized, organized and arranged.Madeline Veldstra, who appealed Berry’s decision, noted the public library removed several Dr. Seuss books in early 2021 due to what the library considered to be racist content. Veldstra said the library was willing to regulate books based on the possibility that children might not be prepared to encounter racist content. “We both think that certain topics should be approached with parental guidance,” she said. “So explain to me why sexuality is not one of those.”“But we do have a responsibility to ensure that every parent has the tool to raise their own children the way that they see fit,” he said. For the parents who want their children to only read books with heterosexual couples and nuclear families, he said, the library has thousands of books for them. “There are 12,500 titles in the children’s and young adult collections combined,” Berry said. “The 55 titles on this list represent 0.4% of that collection.” He then asked the board to leave the books where they are, “so that we can continue to serve the entire community.” Each book was upheld with no opposition from board members. One member noted that some of the books did not appear to even have an LGBTQ aspect to them.
United States Latest News, United States Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Vista High School fires football coach Dave Bottom; promised 'restructuring' likely to take monthsPeople close to the Vista program believe statement there will be a complete overhaul of the football staff, from the freshman and JV teams to the varsity
Read more »
Dave Chappelle Pushes Back Against Transphobic CriticismsDave Chappelle has offered a lengthy response pushing back against recent criticisms of his material being transphobic. 'These were grown people of various genders and gender identities. They threw eggs at the [fans] who were lined up to see the show…'
Read more »
Dave Matthews Band’s summer tour will bring it to AlabamaThe davematthewsbnd has a new studio album coming out in May, and the related summer tour includes an Alabama stop at TheWharfAmp in Orange Beach. Get the details:
Read more »
Dave Marston: Atmospheric rivers endanger the WestDave Marston: 'Weisheit, 68, co-director of Living Rivers and a former Colorado River guide, has long warned the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation that its two biggest dams on the Colorado River could become useless because of prolonged drought.'
Read more »
Dave Chappelle Talks About Backlash Over Anti-Trans RemarksDave Chappelle is opening up about the backlash he faced last year after he made remarks that were regarded as anti-trans. The stand-up comedian took to his Midnight Miracle podcast and raised clai…
Read more »
Lineup announced for historic Black LGBTQ+ festival in HoustonFrom rappers and reality TV stars to gospel singers, we now know who will appear during the 5-day Black Queer AF Advancement and Music Festival in May.
Read more »