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Locals dispute materials in Bartholomew County Library

By Bente Bouthier

Posted November 15, 2022

columbus library meeting

People spoke during public comment in the Bartholomew County Library's Red Room. (WTIU News, Bente Bouthier)

Discussion of what books are appropriate for teenagers has made its way to Bartholomew County Library Board meetings in the last few months.

The discussion has prompted the board to examine library practices throughout the state and launch review of its content, at a time when many local and school libraries across the country are having to defend what content they keep on shelves.

The library created a subcommittee to research practices and content in other public libraries statewide. 

The Bartholomew County Public Library director Jason Hatton said they'll review the diversity represented in their teen section, and how materials are labeled and stored. 

Read more: Law limiting library defense options up in the air, while educators question its necessity

“So we're going to be looking very detailed at every single item to look at is it Christian, non-Christian, LGBTQ, not LGBTQ, right?" he said. "So, many different patterns, and looking to make sure that we really have a balanced collection.”

After the review of materials, the subcommittee will look at what actions to take.

Andy Robbins was one of several who spoke during public comment at a library board meeting Monday. He said books in the teen section shouldn’t address sex or sexuality because it encourages experimentation and harms development. 

“When I was a kid, I was exposed to some of the same kind of highly sexualized materials that have caused so much concern in this library," Robbins said. "And some of those materials had a significant influence on how I saw and treated women.”

Others said that materials in the adult section that address sex are too accessible to teens and children. 

Read more: People look to libraries for more than books. That’s why some are hiring social workers

Felipe Martinez was among a group at the meeting who said this approach will lead to censorship and goes against a library’s mission.

“The public library is the public square, where we all get to reflect..."Martinez said. "Here we come with open hearts and open minds, aware that there maybe tension in the exchange of ideas." 

Hatton said Monday that he’d reviewed several petitions to remove materials from the teen section, denying all but one, which he granted because that book’s content was outdated.

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