During a recent government meeting in Botetourt County, community members voiced strong concerns regarding the appointment of new members to the Blue Ridge Library Board, emphasizing the need for careful consideration of candidates and the materials available to children in the library.

Sharon Porter, a resident of the Fink Castle District, raised alarming questions about the mental health of local youth, specifically inquiring about the number of suicides among children aged 13 to 19 in the past year. Porter expressed her belief that the availability of certain books in the library could negatively impact young minds, urging representatives to take responsibility for the materials accessible to children.

Andrea Smith, a co-director of a local co-op, echoed these sentiments, sharing her personal experiences with her children and the distress caused by what she described as inappropriate content in the library. Smith called for the removal or relocation of such materials, arguing that they could lead to lifelong damage and contribute to the sexualization of children. She requested that the library board reflect the values of the community, particularly the growing homeschooling demographic.

Laura Griffith, a candidate for the library board, highlighted her extensive background in community service and education, asserting her commitment to fostering a safe and enriching environment for children at the library. Griffith emphasized the importance of libraries in promoting literacy and community engagement.

The meeting also featured calls for transparency in the appointment process, with several speakers advocating for a delay in the decision until all candidates could be thoroughly interviewed. This sentiment was shared by Carrie Martell, who pointed out that the new appointment process had not been fully implemented.

Overall, the discussions underscored a community deeply invested in the welfare of its children and the role of public libraries in shaping their experiences. The meeting concluded with a commitment to further dialogue on these pressing issues.