A public library in Pennsylvania has removed a Pride Month display from its children's section after a request from local officials, leading to criticism from some community members and sparking renewed discussion about the governance of library content and displays.
According to Kelly Meredith, president of the Monroeville Public Library Board of Directors, the library's director was instructed by the municipal manager to dismantle the children's room display. This information was reported on Monday by local ABC affiliate WTAE. The outlet further stated that the Pride display, which had been in place since June 1, was taken down last week despite Meredith's reported opposition.
Councilmember's Allegations Spark Debate
The controversy began after Monroeville Councilmember Bill Krut shared a photograph of the library's Pride display on Facebook on June 19. In his post, Krut questioned the appropriateness of the books for children, writing:
Should these books be available for children at the Monroeville Library? I think not… I don’t care what adults do. This is child, sexual grooming.
The image shared by Krut featured several titles, including "The GayBC’s," "A Kid’s Book About Gay Parents," "Pride Puppy!," "Rainbow: A First Book of Pride," "My Two Moms," and "Sparkle Boy."
In response, Lindsay White, a pastor at Crossroads Presbyterian Church in Monroeville and a parent, described Councilmember Krut’s remarks as "incredibly offensive." Speaking at a library board meeting, White stated, "We utilize the library every week, and the Pride display is an incredible resource in helping my children learn about the reality of the world that we live in. And we are very supportive of the LGBTQ community."
Community Values and Library Autonomy
Monroeville Mayor Dennis Biondo Jr. also addressed the situation in a statement posted on Facebook on Monday. He affirmed his role in representing all Monroeville residents and underscored the community's commitment to safety, dignity, and respect for everyone, including the LGBTQIA+ community. The mayor praised the Monroeville Public Library as a trusted public institution that has served the municipality and surrounding areas for over six decades.
Mayor Biondo emphasized the importance of libraries as welcoming and secure environments:
Libraries must remain safe, welcoming spaces free from intimidation or censorship, so that all patrons have access to the books and resources that they need or want. I will continue to support the library, the Library Board, and the library’s employees to use their expert discretion in creating displays and activities that represent this community.
Meanwhile, Monroeville Municipal Manager Alex Graziani offered a different explanation for the display's removal. WTAE reported that Graziani suggested the display could be taken down in anticipation of the upcoming July 4 holiday. "I advised that the June Pride Month display in the children’s section of the Monroeville Public Library could be removed and replaced with a patriotic America 250 display in advance of the Independence Day holiday and our community celebration," Graziani stated.
However, Kelly Meredith reiterated that decisions regarding library displays are made by library staff, not public officials. Meredith further clarified that library displays are governed by the board-approved collection development policy, asserting that the removed display had fully complied with all established criteria and standards. She concluded, "The Board of Directors is grateful for all the support the library has received from community members and patrons throughout this."
