Parental Rights vs. Public Access: How Small Groups Are Reshaping Florida’s Public Libraries

In recent years, Florida has witnessed a surge in debates surrounding parental rights and public access to information, particularly within its public library systems. While parental involvement in their children’s education should be encouraged, the actions of a vocal minority are increasingly influencing public library policies, leading to concerns about censorship and the erosion of intellectual freedom.

The Pasco County Case: A Microcosm of a Larger Issue

Pasco County serves as a pertinent example of how parental rights advocacy can impact public library collections. In 2024, the county's public library system removed 130 children's books from its shelves for review after a county commissioner raised concerns about their content, particularly regarding LGBTQ+ themes. Notable titles affected included And Tango Makes Three, Beloved by Toni Morrison, and The Perks of Being a Wallflower by Stephen Chbosky (See Tampa Bay Times).

While the books were under review, the library froze purchases of all LGBTQ+ literature that is intended for minors. The outcome of the review not only meant relocating all but one title to the adult section, the county library adopted a new restricted access library card for children, and aged up all books that fell into a new category of “life issues” that includes “non-traditional families” (divorced, adoptive, LGBTQ+, children living with grandparents or other relative), politics, puberty, neurodiversity, grief, etc. 

That means books that address these topics in an age appropriate way for minors will now be housed in the adult section of the library under “Parenting.” Additionally, the juvenile and young adult sections of the library will also be aged up based on the oldest recommended age of reader. So, if the publisher of a middle grade novel advertises that the book is intended for ages 8-12, the book will move from the juvenile section (ages 5-11) to the young adult section. If the advertised age of a young adult novel happens to include 18 or older in the age range, it will move to the adult section of the library. So what does this mean overall for readers?

A preteen (10-12) with a new restricted access library card may not find books of interest to them in the section designated for them. A lot of the issues that they might have an interest in may be forced to the “Parenting” section that they would need to browse alongside their parent. And the books in their section (if they are 10 or 11) might feel a little too young for them. 

This action, while framed as a review, effectively limited access to these books, raising alarms about the influence of individual officials on public resources. Such decisions, made without broad community input, challenge the foundational principles of public libraries as spaces for diverse ideas and free access to information (See Tampa Bay Times).

The Broader Implications of "Parental Rights" Advocacy

The situation in Pasco County is not isolated. Across Florida and the nation, similar instances have emerged where small groups exert significant pressure on public institutions to align with specific ideological perspectives. While parental involvement is crucial in education, the extension of this influence into public libraries, institutions that serve entire communities, poses challenges (See WUSF).

The chances of every book finding its reader are greatly diminished when books are haphazardly placed around the library. Imagine your neighborhood grocery store has a remodel and decides not to just swap the bakery section location with the floral department, but to put the cookies next to the roses and breads over in the deli. A regular shopper may eventually get used to the changes, but an occasional shopper will be incredibly frustrated by the experience and may not find what they are looking for. Sales might go down for those particular items, so eventually the grocery store decides people aren’t interested in these products and stop carrying them.

Public libraries are designed to cater to diverse populations, offering materials that reflect a wide range of experiences and viewpoints. When access to certain books is restricted based on the objections of a few, it undermines the library's role as an inclusive space for learning and exploration.

The Importance of Community Engagement

To safeguard the integrity of public libraries, community members must actively participate in library governance. This includes attending library board meetings, staying informed about policy changes, and voicing support for inclusive collections. By doing so, residents can ensure that libraries remain spaces where diverse ideas are accessible to all.

Moreover, individuals should consider volunteering to serve on library boards or advisory committees. Active involvement in these roles allows for a more representative governance structure that reflects the community's diverse perspectives and needs.

Conclusion

The trend of parental rights advocacy influencing public library policies highlights the need for vigilant community engagement. While parental input is valuable, it should not overshadow the collective rights of the broader community to access diverse and inclusive materials. By participating in library governance and advocating for intellectual freedom, citizens can help preserve the foundational principles of public libraries as bastions of knowledge and diversity.

For those interested in making a difference, consider attending your local library board meetings, staying informed about policy developments, and volunteering to serve on library boards or committees. Your involvement is crucial in ensuring that public libraries continue to serve as inclusive spaces for all members of the community.