Library Board Recommends First Book Removal

The Library Citizens Advisory Committee made its first recommendation to remove a book from the Mat-Su Borough Public Library shelves.

The newly-appointed Committee began meeting in July and voted to review the book Identical by Ellen Hopkins as its first task. 

At this month’s meeting, several members cited drug and alcohol abuse and sexual deviancy as major reasons that Identical was inappropriate. According to Alaska State law, the Committee will decide if actual or simulated conduct in the book is offensive. They will use the prevailing standards in the adult community as a whole on behalf of people under 16 years of age. 

After voting, one member asked for clarification about the State law. Borough Attorney Nicholas Spiropoulos (Spur-AH-po-lis) reiterated that just having the book does not make it a crime. He says it must be delivered or there must be intent to deliver it to someone under 16 years old. 

Committee members recommended removing the book from the Public Library shelves altogether. They could also choose to leave the book where it is or move it to the adult section.

This book also was included in the 56 titles reviewed by the Mat-Su School District Library Citizens Advisory Committee last year. School District administrators ultimately returned the book to school library shelves. 

Any library patron may challenge a book, but the Committee will determine if they review it. Committee Chair Chad Scott reminded the group that they serve only in an advisory capacity. Following a vote, scorecards and notes will be compiled and presented to the Borough Community Development Director for review.

The Committee will read Red Hood by Elana Arnold for September’s meeting, a book also reviewed by the School District Library Citizens Advisory Committee. School District administrators decided to return that book to school library shelves in June. 

The Committee will meet again September 9th at 5pm.