Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Public Library Policy topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Huntington Beach council adopts resolution saying library won’t be sold and books won’t be banned after contentious public comments
Summary
After more than 75 public speakers debated ballot measures and library policy, the City Council adopted Resolution 2025-45 affirming the Huntington Beach Public Library will remain publicly owned and that books will not be banned.
HUNTINGTON BEACH, Calif. — The Huntington Beach City Council on Tuesday voted unanimously to approve Resolution 2025-45, declaring that the city’s public library “shall not be sold” and that “books shall not be banned,” closing a months-long debate that drew more than 75 public speakers.
The vote followed a long public-comment period in which residents, parents, librarians and advocacy groups urged opposite outcomes on competing ballot measures known as Measure A and Measure B and criticized council actions and rhetoric about library materials.
Supporters of the measures argued the proposals would protect the library from privatization and outside influence, and preserve public access and professional library services. Opponents said the measures and campaigns had created confusion and a moral panic and that trained librarians should retain authority over collections and programming.
During the public-comment period, many speakers used the same phrase: “Vote yes on A and B,” urging voters to approve the citizen measures. Several speakers also urged the council to defend librarians and noted law-enforcement findings. Trustee Gina Clayton Tarvin said she had reported allegations about library materials to the Orange County District Attorney, the FBI and HBPD; she told the council that “to date, none of the 3 law enforcement agencies have found any pornographic materials in the libraries.”
Councilman Chad Williams moved the resolution and read its text aloud at the dais: “The Huntington Beach Public Library shall not be sold. It will remain a publicly owned asset. Books shall not be banned from the Huntington Beach Public Library.” The motion passed 7-0.
Council members and speakers repeatedly referenced the June 10 special election on Measures A and B scheduled by petition, saying the election itself would decide whether the city’s code or a citizen initiative should govern library policy. Supporters of the ballot measures argued that codifying protections in ordinance form would make library decisions subject to voter approval; opponents said the measures would empower an unelected review committee.
Council members also discussed prior city actions — including a council resolution and debate about possible outsourcing — and the property of library staff and volunteers. Several speakers asked the council to focus on funding and programs rather than the controversy.
The resolution does not change city code; it records council affirmation on ownership and that books will not be banned. The special election on Measures A and B remained scheduled and will proceed independently of the council’s resolution.
