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North Pole resident objects to LGBTQ display and drag program at Noel Wien Library; commission points to complaint process
Summary
A North Pole resident voiced objections to an LGBTQ-themed staff-picks display and drag programming at Noel Wien Library. Commissioners said oversight is administrative and directed the resident to file a complaint with library staff; Jamia confirmed comment/complaint forms are available at any desk.
Jeff Whipple, a resident from the North Pole area, told the Library and Literacy Commission on June 11 that he found a recent LGBTQ-themed book display at the Noel Wien Library “highly offensive” and inappropriate for children.
"I'm just kind of curious if there was any approval or direction from this body regarding that," Whipple said, asking whether the display had been selected by library staff and whether the commission had oversight. He also raised concerns about drag-queen events on Saturday afternoons.
Commissioners responded that the commission is advisory and that operational decisions are made by library administration. Commissioner Fox and other commissioners noted the commission’s role in advising on policy while the administration handles day-to-day programming. "We are mainly an advisory and an advise on policy," one commissioner said during the exchange.
Chair Buckley invited Mr. Whipple to use the library’s formal complaint process. Jamia, a library staff member, confirmed how to proceed: "You can get them at any desk at the library," she said, referring to comment/complaint forms. Commissioners said they appreciate patrons bringing concerns to the commission and encouraged filing a formal complaint so administration can respond.
Whipple said he would email the commission a copy of an article he referenced (the Alaska Watchman) and that he planned to complete a complaint form. A library staff member also noted that staff picks displays rotate frequently and are selected to represent facets of the community; a commissioner observed the shelf in question is typically a “staff picks” display and is rotated weekly or every couple of weeks.
The commission did not direct staff to remove or change the display during the meeting. Commissioners reiterated their advisory role and advised the resident to use the library’s comment form and to engage administration directly for operational responses.
