Conservative Activists Join Library Board After Controversy Over LGBTQ+ Books

In the quaint town of Alpena, Michigan, with a population of just over 10,000, debates over LGBTQ+ materials in the local library have culminated in the appointment of two conservative activists to the Board of Library Trustees. These activists have been vocal opponents of certain books, claiming they are inappropriate for children and should be removed from the library's shelves.

The controversy began with efforts to remove George M. Johnson’s coming-of-age memoir, "All Boys Aren’t Blue," from the teen section of the library. This memoir, among a dozen other books, has been labeled by some local "parents' rights" groups as inappropriate or "grooming" material. Traci Collins and Julie Byrnes, longtime critics of these books, have been at the forefront of these efforts. Their persistent campaigning has finally led to their appointments to the Board, a move backed by county officials sympathetic to their cause.

The escalation of this issue has seen significant changes within the library's administration. Over the past few years, multiple resignations have occurred, including those of the library director and several board members. The persistent pressure from religious groups and certain county commissioners included threats to defund the library unless their demands regarding book policies were met.

Challenges to Intellectual Freedom

In 2023, shortly after being appointed as the library director, Debra Greenacre, along with assistant director Jessica Luther, faced direct challenges from Byrnes, who demanded the relocation of "All Boys Aren’t Blue". Despite Byrnes' formal requests and appeals, the library leadership stood firm, supporting their collection management policy based on age-appropriateness and publisher guidelines.

However, the Board of Trustees, now influenced by the newly appointed activists, decided to revise the collection management policy. This revision saw the removal of the section on Intellectual Freedom, which previously protected against unilateral book bans. This change has left many concerned about the future of book availability and the implications for intellectual freedom in the community.

Community Response and Reaction

The response from the community has been mixed. A petition initiated by Shoreline Church, where Collins’ husband serves as pastor, expressed outrage over the availability of certain books deemed "pornographic" by the church. The petition highlighted that children had unrestricted access to library materials, which the petitioners found unacceptable.

Among the 14 books targeted out of the library’s vast 50,000-item collection was "Making a Baby". This book was criticized for its depiction of what some perceived as "grooming techniques," such as images of naked adults in shared spaces with children.

Collins and Byrnes, often accompanied by Trustee Dustin Budd, were regular attendees at library board meetings, consistently advocating for their cause. Their influence was such that they used an impending funding referendum as leverage, threatening to block library funding unless their demands were met. This hardline stance resulted in significant resignations and ultimately led to their appointment to the Board in late 2024.

The Way Forward

With the successful passing of the funding referendum, the County Commission withdrew its threat to dismantle the library board. However, the board now faces the challenge of balancing the diverse needs and values of the community it serves. The appointments of Collins and Byrnes mark a shift in policy direction, and many in the community are watching closely to see how these changes will unfold.

The debate over book availability and censorship in Alpena reflects a broader national conversation about the role of libraries in communities and the protection of intellectual freedom. As this small town navigates these challenges, the implications for LGBTQ+ representation and visibility in public spaces remain a critical concern for advocates and community members alike.