Public Library of Jefferson County,

We request that the library system remove all materials celebrating and promoting “Pride Month” from visible library displays, most especially in the children’s and YA sections.

Public Libraries are an important and venerable institution in American history that have allowed millions to access information, enjoy reading, and be part of the community. So many people credit public libraries for their childhood happiness and growth as citizens and humans, and we hope this tradition can continue.

Choosing to plaster the library with the propaganda for a controversial, divisive, and harmful ideology has caused many local families and individuals to stop visiting the library. It creates a hostile environment that is unwelcoming to a large part of our community. You would never spend a month promoting the Republican party or Baptist religion for good reason, because these are not universally agreed upon ideologies and would alienate many people.

There are many things we can all celebrate and appreciate – the accomplishments and history of Black Americans and women, seasons and holiday traditions, heritage from various nations. It would not be difficult to keep monthly themes to subjects that bring us together, rather than divide.

Many of us know the LGBTQ+ agenda to be harmful and will not subject our children to in-your-face promotion of such. Which means we are no longer able to use the library without violating our conscience, during Pride month and beyond. We are not requesting that anyone be denied access to the library or to requesting materials, but we do demand you stop using this public venue to promote this cause.

When a patron objected to LGBTQ+ -promoting materials being prominently displayed in the Children’s section before Pride Month she was told, “We have gay taxpayers and so we have to have this.” Well, we are taxpayers, too. Let’s work together to create a library open and welcoming to everyone as it used to be.

If you do not remove the displays immediately, we will begin a public protest and approach the county about stopping the use of our money to fund your controversial ideology that undermines our community values.