Library Board denies requests for change
By KEVIN CHIRI
Slidell news bureau
COVINGTON – When leaders of the St. Tammany Library Accountability Project saw the agenda for the December meeting of the parish Library Board of Control there was a bit of hope that library leadership was finally going to make some serious changes to policy that is currently enabling children of all ages to access and read over 150 allegedly pornographic and sexually graphic books at the 12 parish library branches.
After the Tuesday night meeting of the Library Board, held at the Covington Library, there was one clear message sent from the library officials: “Think Again.”
Four agenda items might have led some critics of the current policy to believe the Library Board, particularly Library Director Kelly LaRocca, was ready to meet the public watchdog group halfway and create a restricted area for the books in question, not banning books as many opponents have suggested.
However, at the end of the three-hour meeting it was clear the Library Board made several decisions trying to appease “concerned parents,” as they called them numerous times during the night, but no substantial controls were put over the many books in question.
The St. Tammany Library Accountability Project was formed in recent months when several parish moms discovered what they called pornographic and pedophilic books and other materials, books with sex tips for teens, as well as many pro-gay, lesbian, transgender books, all available at the St. Tammany library branches. No one has questioned the fact that children of any age can walk into any library branch and find the books on the shelves, with graphic language and pictures of almost any kind of sexual activity known to man.
The Accountability Project has been calling for one basic change at the public libraries: create a public organization that can review any books in question and create a restricted section at all libraries where parental approval must be given to check out the books in question. Despite comments to the contrary which claims the group wants books banned, that has never been their intent, leader David Cougle stated.
At the Tuesday night meeting there were agenda items addressing changes to “rules and regulations of challenged materials,” “access to materials by minors,” “disposition of challenged materials,” and “graphic novels for adults and teens.”
The answer for these issues, LaRocca told the board, is that she and other library board members and officials had been meeting to create several new policies—again—due to the concern of parents.
However, the only change in policy was this:
–Any formerly challenged book which was previously reviewed by LaRocca and her appointed committee will now be reviewed by LaRocca and her appointed committee, with the final decision going to the Library Board to approve or disapprove. Previously, LaRocca’s group decision was sent to the petitioner, and they could appeal the decision.
“Tonight’s meeting made it clear that the Library Board and Kelly LaRocca refuse to recognize there is any problem,” said Cougle. “The board made it clear they are not interested in protecting children.”
Other discussion was held on agenda items about how to handle challenged materials, and whether any of the materials being reviewed should be pulled off the shelves until a final decision was made. However, a large crowd of supporters for the Library Board, with a majority of clearly gay, lesbian and transgender supporters in the audience, were the main speakers on the night who urged the board to not put any books behind the counter while they were being reviewed.
“The joy at the library is browsing and finding new books,” said Ruth Terry Sipos. “These books provide very teachable moments and putting the challenged books behind the counter is the same thing as porn being put behind the counter at convenience stores.”
Many supporters of “no restrictions on any books” continually emphasized that doing this will be “the start of something that won’t end. This is tapping into fears and hate that a small percentage of residents are stirring up.”
“This is a clear and present danger from the people who want to restrict access to books,” added Jamie Segura from Covington. “It’s pure censorship.”
The last Library Board meeting was held in Slidell and an overwhelming number of over 100 attendees were in favor of a restricted area for the books in question—called over 150 by Accountability Board members. However, the Covington meeting drew a much larger crowd of those displaying support for gay, lesbian and trans issues, with signs stating, “Trust our Librarians,” while numerous attendees sported signs, clothes and words supporting the Lesbian, Gay Bisexual, Transgender and Queer (LBGTQ) community.
From LaRocca to board members, a continued responsibility was put on parents to see what their kids are accessing from the library, rather than forcing any materials into an area that required parental approval.
Board Member Bill Allen raised a new term that LaRocca brought up for the first time publicly, and that is an apparent reference from former court decisions that suggest anything not “pervasively vulgar” is appropriate at the library for anyone, of any age.
“If books are pervasively vulgar, they will be restricted with parental control,” said LaRocca. However, she has stated unequivocally in the past she does not see anything pornographic at any library.
Board President Rebecca Taylor acknowledged they now have 75 “challenged books,” and LaRocca stated that it means each one must be reviewed individually by herself and her committee, meaning there is much work to be done for library employees who are chosen for the committees.
Several public speakers said they were concerned that the number of challenged books will continue to grow after Library Accountability Project members have encouraged members to send in “Statements of Concern” for many different books.
Allen gave a speech mid-way through the meeting trying to bring both sides together, noting the recent issues for the board “have brought a cultural firestorm, historic for us, that is a misrepresentation of our library.”
However, he acknowledged that the criticism has made Library Board members “aware that parents are concerned about graphic sexual images” in books for children.
In the end he joined many of the others on the board, including LaRocca, who continually focused the spotlight back on parents to be in control of what their kids’ access, even though library policy does allow children 10 and under to go to the libraries without parents.
Many speakers showed support for LaRocca and the board, going so far to say they were sorry for all they were now enduring from the questions about the books.
“We’re sorry Kelly for what you are going through,” said Mel Emmanuel. “The lies about you are cruel and detestable.”
In the end, the board passed all resolutions other than the one involving placement of graphic novels, which was tabled for a future meeting.
Cougle said it is clear the board plans no actions to restrict books, and he pointed the finger at the Parish Council to take action.
“This clearly puts the pressure on our Parish Council,” he said. “This board is so detached from our community so it will be up to our parish officials to do something.”