Public challenges library books; board approves consent agenda 5‑0

Speakers during the Jan. 9 public comment period urged the board to review library holdings and remove books they said glamorize self-harm and drug use.

One speaker identified herself as Latares and said librarians "need to be accountable" and asked the board to remove books that she described as glorifying opioid use, self‑harm and other harmful behavior. She asked the district to screen books more carefully before they are purchased for schools.

Bruce Friedman said he had reviewed many of the challenged titles and announced he was delivering a formal challenge under district procedures for a Meg Cabot title located at Clay Hill Elementary School. He listed words and themes that concerned him and told the board he would not allow further ordering until the existing materials were reviewed. "Your libraries are polluted," he said. "It's time to step up." Friedman handed the district one challenge form to follow the district’s policy process.

Superintendent Broski later addressed library policy in his administrative remarks, saying the board’s policy places responsibility on parents to choose which books they want for their children and that items violating the law are removed. He described the board-adopted approach as giving parents the ability to select books for their children while removing any items that are violations of law.

Earlier in the agenda the board approved the consent agenda by motion. School board member Miss Gilhausen moved to approve the consent agenda; Ms. Clark seconded. The board called for the vote and the motion carried with a 5‑0 tally. The consent agenda included routine items and the board noted "no special action for human resources." No formal action on specific library titles or a districtwide removal policy was taken at the meeting; two citizens indicated they had submitted or would submit formal challenges for staff review.