A heated debate over a controversial book took center stage at the Citrus County Special Library District Advisory Board meeting on December 2, 2024. The discussion centered on whether a particular title should remain in the young adult section or be moved to the adult section of the library.

Board members shared their personal experiences and analyses of the book, with opinions sharply divided. One member noted that while there was a significant number of comments against the book during the meeting, past discussions had shown a more balanced perspective from the community. This member, drawing from their experience as a library trustee in Illinois, recommended keeping the book in the young adult section for readers aged 15 to 18, citing the library's policy on controversial materials.

Conversely, other board members expressed strong objections to the book's content. One member described it as "vulgar" and inappropriate for young readers, arguing that staff should not be required to engage with such material. Another member echoed this sentiment, stating that the book did not belong in front of children and should be classified as adult material.

The board also discussed the limited number of requests for book reviews from the community, highlighting that only one individual had formally requested the review of this particular title. Despite the low engagement, the board felt compelled to address the issue due to the strong feelings expressed by some community members.

Ultimately, after extensive discussion, the consensus leaned towards keeping the book in the young adult section, with several members acknowledging that while they personally found the book lacking, it did not meet the criteria for removal based on the Supreme Court's standards for objectionable content.

The meeting underscored the ongoing challenges libraries face in balancing community standards, individual opinions, and established policies regarding controversial literature. As the board concluded, the decision reflects a commitment to uphold library access while navigating the complexities of public sentiment.