Largo residents press commission to defend public library after state funding threat

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 the library and said, “They always have such great books and events, and I love to read.”

Matt Faustini, who tutors at the library, criticized the state representative by name and said elected officials have limited track records delivering for Largo: "Bernie Jacques has done nothing for this city," Faustini said. William Johnson, who said he formerly lived in the city, urged the commission to “stand firm and protect diversity, equity and inclusion in our public institutions.”

Several speakers linked the discussion to the city’s recently issued proclamations marking National Library Week and Fair Housing Month. Carl Cieslak, who identified himself as a member of the LGBTQ+ community, thanked the commission for “standing up against” the representative’s threats and called the library “a place that uplifts young people, families, seniors, and those who often feel like they’ve been unseen or unheard.”

Eric Gerard, who opened the public-comment sequence on this topic, framed his remarks as a wider warning about bigotry and political scapegoating. “I’m Jewish,” Gerard said. “I’ve experienced firsthand the bigotry and ignorance of antisemitism. … It’s tragic and it’s dangerous that we find ourselves in this place.” Gerard criticized what he said were repeated efforts to pressure local institutions to “purge” literature and called demands to remove books with gay or trans characters a form of censorship.

Other speakers urged the commission to rely on local library policy and professional librarians to make collection and programming decisions. Commissioner and city staff members present reiterated that the library has a written process for challenges to materials; public commenters noted that formal complaint procedures and advisory-board review exist.

The commission did not introduce new library policy or direct staff to change existing processes during the meeting. Representative Jacques’ assistant, identified as Benjamin and present in the chamber, told attendees he could not speak for the representative but said the representative maintains a public social-media presence where constituents may reach him.

The exchange came during a broad public-comment period that included more than two dozen speakers. Several speakers asked the commission to resist state-level political pressure; others urged parental involvement and local review processes for youth materials.

The City Commission did not vote on any ordinance or formal action affecting library holdings at this meeting. The library’s collection-review and challenge processes remain in effect; the library also continues to participate in National Library Week activities and city outreach services.