Activists Take Over Library Board Amid Controversy Over LGBTQ+ Books

In the quaint town of Alpena, Michigan, with a population just over 10,000, a fervent debate over LGBTQ+ books in the local library has culminated in the appointment of two conservative activists to the Board of Library Trustees. This change comes after a prolonged campaign that has sparked considerable tension within the community.

Traci Collins and Julie Byrnes, known for their vocal opposition to certain library materials, have been appointed to the board, which governs library policy, following efforts largely driven by "parents' rights" activists. Their campaigns have focused on removing books they claim to be inappropriate, including "All Boys Aren’t Blue," a coming-of-age memoir that has been criticized by conservative groups.

Background and Campaigns

The controversy began with challenges to specific books deemed unsuitable by some parents and activists. Collins and Byrnes, who have been at the forefront of this issue, have made repeated appearances at public meetings, voicing concerns about what they describe as "pornographic" content in the library's collection.

Amid the controversy, the library staff faced increasing pressure, leading to a series of resignations. The situation was exacerbated by threats from religious activists and county officials to defund the library unless certain demands were met, creating a fraught environment for library personnel.

Meetings and Policies

In 2023, Byrnes met with the newly appointed library director, Debra Greenacre, and her assistant, Jessica Luther, to discuss "All Boys Aren’t Blue." Despite Byrnes' demands to relocate the book out of the teen section, the library officials maintained their stance, citing age-appropriate guidance from publishers. Byrnes, undeterred, filed a formal appeal, referencing a newly formed "parents' rights" group named Save The Alpena Children (STAC).

In response, Director Greenacre proposed updates to the library's collection management policy to clarify how placement decisions are made. However, the Board of Trustees responded by removing the section on Intellectual Freedom, raising concerns about potential censorship and unilateral book removals.

Community and Church Involvement

The local Shoreline Church, where Collins' husband serves as pastor, became actively involved by circulating a petition expressing alarm over the library's book collection. The church's concerns were focused on the availability of certain titles they considered indecent for children, sparking further debate within the community.

One of the books mentioned in their campaign was "Making a Baby," which the church criticized for its portrayal of interactions between adults and children. The church and its supporters argued that such materials could be seen as "grooming techniques," adding fuel to the ongoing conflict.

Political Maneuvering and Resignations

Throughout this period, Collins and Byrnes, supported by Trustee Dustin Budd, used an impending funding referendum for the library as leverage to push through their agenda. They threatened to remove the entire Board of Trustees if their demands were not met, placing additional stress on the library's management.

By the end of 2024, both Director Greenacre and her successor, Jessica Luther, resigned under pressure. With the successful passage of the funding referendum, the County Commission withdrew its threat to dissolve the library board, leaving two vacant positions that were subsequently filled by Collins and Byrnes.

Looking Forward

As Collins and Byrnes take their seats on the Board of Library Trustees, the future of Alpena's library policies remains uncertain. Their appointments mark a significant shift in the local governance of library materials, with potential implications for the community's access to diverse viewpoints and literature.

This development has attracted national attention, highlighting the broader cultural and political battles over censorship, intellectual freedom, and LGBTQ+ representation in public institutions.

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