Library board in Michigan community works to dispel rumors of possible book ban

Lapeer Library board Addresses Book Removal Rumors

LAPEER COUNTY,MI – The Lapeer District Library board recently convened a meeting to address growing community concerns regarding potential book removals and the future of the library’s director.

An estimated 75-100 residents filled the Lapeer Center Building for the meeting on February 20th, a gathering fueled by rumors circulating online and within the community. These rumors primarily centered around the possibility of removing library director danielle Brigati and a perceived agenda by some board members to ban books, particularly “Gender Queer” and “Fred Gets Dressed,” which faced appeals for removal earlier this year.

New trustee Peggy Brotzke, appointed to the board representing Lapeer township, was quick to address book removal concerns. “I wanted to be very clear that I have no intentions of banning books,” she stated.”There’s a rumor going around on social media and I’ve gotten several emails too. People are concerned that I have a list of 2,500 books that I plan to pull off and destroy, and I’m keeping these books from parents. It’s not true.”

Brotzke emphasized parental involvement in shaping children’s reading choices but acknowledged the need for public libraries to offer a diverse range of materials.“We agree that parents should be first and foremost making decisions on what their kids read. The problem is that not every child has a responsible adult to guide them,” Brotzke added.

The meeting witnessed a strong show of support for the library and its current collection. Several individuals, including Amy Conger, a Lapeer County resident, expressed concern about the potential negative impact of book censorship.

“It’s a vital time to support public libraries like lapeer’s because staggering misinformation and ignorance are on the rise,” Conger said. “A person can decide that they do not want to read a particular book and that they do not want their child to read a particular book, but they cannot decide that an entire community cannot read a particular book as a citizen.”

Jan Watz, a former board member and current president of the Flint Area League of women Voters, echoed this sentiment, stressing the importance of library independence in safeguarding access to data and diverse viewpoints.

“Removing and banning books from public libraries is a slippery slope to governmental censorship and the erosion of our country’s commitment to freedom of discussion,” Watz stated.“What has always been a nonpartisan community resource has become a political football.”

Despite the public outcry, one resident voiced concerns about the content of books like “gender Queer,” arguing that its illustrations and LGBTQ+ themes were inappropriate for children.

The meeting concluded with a statement from trustee John Deangelis, who denied any intent to remove books or Director Brigati.

“That is a rumor.I don’t know where it’s coming from,” Deangelis stated. “I love the library, and everything they got up and spoke about, I agree with. They’re just trying to do the right thing too,and they get misguided.”

While the board did not take any official action during the meeting, the event underscored the importance of open dialog and community engagement in shaping library policies and collections.

Moving forward, it remains crucial for the Lapeer District Library Board to prioritize transparency, inclusivity, and evidence-based decision-making to ensure the library continues to serve as a vital resource for the community.

What steps are being taken to ensure clarity and open interaction regarding library policies and collections?

Archyde News Interview: Lapeer Library Trustee on Book Removal Rumors and Community Concerns

Interview with New Trustee Peggy Brotzke, Lapeer District Library Board

Considering recent rumors and community concerns, Archyde sits down with newly appointed trustee Peggy Brotzke to discuss the future ofLapeer district Library and its collections.

Archyde: thank you for taking the time to talk with us today, Trustee Brotzke. Let’s dive right in. Can you address the rumors circulating online and within the community regarding potential book removals and changes to the library’s leadership?

Peggy Brotzke: “Thank you for having me. I want to assure the community that those rumors are unfounded. As a new trustee, I’m committed to transparency and inclusivity. I have no intentions of banning books or removing our dedicated director, Danielle Brigati. The library’s leadership has been instrumental in providing a diverse range of materials for our community, and we aim to continue that mission.”

Archyde: That’s reassuring to hear. Could you elaborate on your stance regarding the removal of specific books, such as “Gender Queer” and “Fred Gets Dressed,” which have been at the center of some debates?

Brotzke: “I understand that some community members have concerns about certain books’ content or suitability. However, it’s essential to remember that public libraries serve the entire community, including adults and children. Our role is not to censor materials but to provide access to diverse viewpoints and promote intellectual freedom.We encourage parents to guide their children’s reading choices,but we must also ensure that materials are available for those without such guidance or for adults pursuing personal growth and knowledge.”

Archyde: You mentioned the importance of intellectual freedom. Can you discuss how the board balances potential concerns about book content with the need to maintain a diverse collection that caters to various community interests?

Brotzke: “Balancing these concerns is a complex task, requiring careful consideration and open dialog with the community. We follow the American Library Association’s Library Bill of Rights and its interpretation, the *Freedom to Read* statement. These guidelines help us navigate challenges and ensure that we’re providing equitable access to information for all patrons. We’re committed to evidence-based decision-making, which means we consider various factors, including patron feedback, professional reviews, and literary merit, when selecting and maintaining our collection.”

Archyde: Speaking of community engagement, what steps is the board taking to foster transparency and open communication regarding library policies and collections?

Brotzke: “Transparency and open communication are top priorities for our board. We’re actively working on improving our communication channels, such as enhancing our website and social media presence, to keep patrons informed about library happenings, policies, and collection growth. Additionally, we welcome public input at our board meetings and encourage patrons to reach out to us with their questions, concerns, or suggestions.Together, we can ensure that the library continues to serve as a vital resource for our community.”

Editor’s Note: want your voice to be heard? Attend the next Lapeer District Library board meeting and share your thoughts on the library’s collections and policies. Check their website for upcoming meeting dates and details.