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Largo residents press commission to defend public library after state funding threat
Summary
Dozens of Largo residents used the City Commission public-comment period April 1 to urge elected officials to protect the Largo Public Library after speakers said a state representative threatened to withhold funding unless certain materials and programs were removed.
Dozens of residents urged the Largo City Commission on April 1 to stand behind the Largo Public Library after speakers said a state lawmaker threatened to withhold taxpayer funding unless library materials and teen programming that feature LGBTQ+ characters were removed.
Speakers described a letter and public statements by a state representative — identified in public comment as Representative Bernie Jacques — and said the threats amounted to political pressure on a locally governed public institution. The commission did not take a formal vote on library policy during the meeting.
Several longtime patrons and volunteers described services they said the library already provides: ESL tutoring, bookmobile and home delivery for homebound residents, teen programming and outreach to seniors. Lillian Gebazda, a 14-year-old student, told the commission she moved to Largo in part because of…
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