Montgomery County aims to ‘balance’ library book themes
Montgomery County commissioners tightened restrictions on access to library books with LGBTQ+ themes by children younger than 18 and agreed to add more conservative-based books to shelves after receiving dozens of complaints from residents.
The action comes after a 90minute executive session on the issue Tuesday.
In two separate motions, the court gave Purchasing Director Gilbert Jalomo authority to expand the county’s book vendor list for access to more conservative book themes and asked Library Director Rhea Young to group books by genre within the children’s section and label and restrict access to sexually explicit books to those older than 18.
The motion applies to all seven libraries in the Montgomery County Memorial Library System.
County Judge Mark Keough said the age limit on the books is needed.
“If you don’t put an age on it, then we aren’t really solving any of the issues of younger kids having access to this information,” Keough said.
In a third motion, the court approved a “vote of full confidence” in new library Director Rhea Young.
Young, 56, a longtime educator and librarian at Splendora ISD, was named the library director in September. She replaced Jerilynn Williams, who retired in April after 25 as director.
“While we may not agree on exactly what types of materials should be in the library, I think all of us agree the decisions we make are in the best interest, in this case, our children and what they should have access and what they shouldn’t have access to,” said Precinct 3 Commissioner James Noack.
Residents have continued to express concern over library books during public comment over the last several months.
Michelle Knuckles, a resident of The Woodlands, said she contacted the library about more than 100 books on the shelves that address “alternate gender ideologies” but none that address traditional views on gender.
Knuckles said the staff confirmed there was a lack of traditional views in the system because the county’s vendors do not have access to those books.
“The library policy requires balance,” Knuckles said.
Noack said balance in materials at the library is crucial.
“Access to information and where these materials are located is very important,” Noack said. “We know there is a lack of conservative style themes to counterbalance the books brought to our attention.”
Teresa Kennedy, owner of Village Books in The Woodlands, spoke in support of keeping LGBTQ+-themed books as well as those that address substance abuse and similar topics on the library shelves.
“Young people deserve to see themselves reflected in the books they read,” Kennedy said. “They deserve to see there is hope in a time in their lives when they may feel there is none. Those who ban books are never history’s heroes.”