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Library board nominations draw sharp public comments on censorship and qualifications
Summary
The St. Tammany Parish Council closed nominations for a countywide library board vacancy after public commenters urged nominees committed to First Amendment protections, safeguarding children and library access. Three candidates were nominated and the council closed nominations by unanimous vote.
The St. Tammany Parish Council on Jan. 9 closed nominations to fill a vacancy on the parish Library Board of Control after public commenters urged the council to appoint candidates who support intellectual freedom and have relevant qualifications.
The council opened the floor for nominations after officials confirmed the remaining term runs through July 2026. Council members nominated Charles "Chuck" Branton, Elwin Gilliam (identified by a nominator as “Chief Warhorse”), and Diana Cousan Thanars. Councilman Jimmy Strickland moved to close nominations and Councilwoman Katrina Tanner seconded; the motion to close nominations passed unanimously with one member absent.
The nominations followed several public comments for and against particular selection criteria. Kevin Marino, who gave his address as 139 Carmel Drive, urged the council to appoint members who “support the First Amendment rights because the First Amendment guarantees the freedom of speech, but also the freedom to receive information,” and said board members should “support diversity in books, authors and characters.”
Other public speakers urged the council to pick candidates who reflect community standards or who have library management experience. Charles Branton, who said he holds a master’s in library science from Louisiana State University and has served as a library director, told the council he was asking for nomination and highlighted his experience running library millage campaigns. Diana Cousan Thanars, a retired St. Tammany elementary teacher, said she favored “some limitations with the younger kids” while also supporting services for all users.
Dave Ziegler, representing the Slidell Ministers Association, said libraries were "suffering" and urged nominees who would protect children; Donna Benoit of Riverwood Subdivision similarly asked the council to "elect board members that reflect the community standards" and to put "safeguards" in place to protect children. Johanna Minor told the council she wanted a qualified candidate not chosen for diversity reasons alone and criticized perceived bias on the current board’s appointment process.
Why it matters: The Library Board of Control oversees the parishwide library system, a public institution that manages collections, programs and library policy. Appointments to the board affect how the system balances access to information, collection development and policies about materials for children. With a millage renewal upcoming in March, board composition could shape public confidence and policy direction.
What happened next: With nominations closed, the council will proceed to select or vote on a nominee at a later meeting. The council did not make a final appointment on Jan. 9.
Speakers quoted in this story spoke during the nominations and public comment period at the Jan. 9 St. Tammany Parish Council meeting.
