Pella, Iowa leaders discuss removal of LGBTQ book from public library

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Some people want a controversial book banned from Pella’s public library. There was a heated debate on the subject during the city council meeting on Tuesday evening. Banning controversial books is a topic that is popping up in many Iowa school districts, but this is the first time we’ve heard about it in a city library. “This book is not for the eyes of children. You can’t say the pictures aren’t pornographic, ”said Robyn Vander Molen. Vander Molen is one of Pella’s many parents who want the “Gender Queer” book out of the town’s public library. She says graphic sex images are the problem. I don’t care if this book was for straight guys. I would be doing the same here, ”Vander Molen said. “Gender Queer” can be found in the “Adult Graphic Novel” section of the library. The Pella Library says it’s the first time a book has been challenged. Pella Public Library Director Mara Strickler said the library’s board has completed its review process and unanimously decided to keep the book. the whole community, not just a part of it, ”Strickler said. She said this does not violate library policy and that the library has a responsibility to offer a wide variety of materials. Several people have supported the library, saying that no one should censor what is on the shelves, and the book is beneficial for young people who are exploring their sexuality. “My children won’t be hurt or scared by this book, but someone could be hurt by changing the way it is put away or by removing it altogether,” said parent Ali Thomas. Still, many have asked the library to change its review process in the future. “What we are asking is not to censor per se. People can still pick up the book at the library. It just doesn’t have to be open to kids, ”said Evelyn Nickel. Pella City Council has not made a final decision on changing the library’s book review process. The council said it would look into the matter further.

Some people want a controversial book banned from Pella’s public library.

There was a heated debate on the subject during the city council meeting on Tuesday evening.

Banning controversial books is a topic that is popping up in many school districts in Iowa, but this is the first time we’ve heard about it in a city library.

“This book is not for the eyes of children. You can’t say the pictures aren’t pornographic, ”said Robyn Vander Molen.

Vander Molen is one of Pella’s many parents who want the “Gender Queer” book out of the town’s public library.

She says graphic sex images are the problem.

“I don’t care if this book is for straight guys. I would be doing the same here, ”Vander Molen said.

“Gender Queer” can be found in the “Adult Graphic Novel” section of the library. The Pella Library says it’s the first time a book has been challenged.

Pella Public Library Director Mara Strickler said the library’s board has completed its review process and unanimously decided to keep the book.

“Public libraries must meet the needs of the whole community, not just a part of it,” Strickler said.

She said this does not violate library policy and that the library has a responsibility to offer a wide variety of materials.

Several people supported the library, saying that no one should censor what is on the shelves, and that the book is beneficial for young people who are exploring their sexuality.

“My children won’t be hurt or scared by this book, but someone could be hurt by changing the way it is put away or removing it completely,” said parent Ali Thomas.

Still, many have asked the library to change its review process in the future.

“What we are asking is not to censor per se. People can still get the book from the library. It just doesn’t have to be open to kids, ”said Evelyn Nickel.

Pella City Council has not made a final decision on changing the library’s book review process. The council said it would look into the matter further.

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