Library Committee Recommends Another Book Removal

The Mat-Su Borough’s Library Citizens Advisory Committee, or LCAC, recommends removing another book from Public Library shelves.

Citing a feminist slant, occult leanings, and other issues, the Committee ultimately recommends removing the fantasy book Red Hood by Elana Arnold from the shelves. Committee Chair Pastor Chad Scott spoke at length about how the book was not a good resource for sexual assault victims. And says that the killing in the book was more appropriate for fathers.

“In this book, Red Hood, I’ll kind of skip to the end. But the coping mechanism is murder. Now, I’m not opposed to predators being dealt with that way. I wouldn’t necessarily put a 16-year-old in that position to make that. I think I would prefer a book written for dads along that line maybe.”

Mat-Su Community Development Director Jillian Morrissey spoke at the beginning of the meeting about the Committee’s recommendation to remove Identical by Ellen Hopkins. The LCAC made that recommendation at its August meeting. 

Morrissey says the Mat-Su Borough School Libraries reshelved Identical earlier this summer. She also notes that the LCAC’s recommendation did not consider all patrons and the role of parents in book choices.

“I do not believe it’s appropriate to remove the book from the library when the concern from the LCAC is mainly the appropriateness of the material for children. My decision respects parental choice to apply for a library card with their child. Parental responsibility for the library material choices of the child. And the freedom for patrons to choose library materials of their interest.” 

Morrissey says Identical will be returned to the Public Libraries in the adult section. 

The Committee will review Forever by Judy Blume at its next meeting on October 14th.