Residents debate library displays, age-appropriateness and a mayoral proclamation during Leavenworth County comment period

Dozens of residents used the public-comment period at the Leavenworth County Board of Commissioners meeting to press two related concerns: whether some library materials are age-appropriate for children and whether a city proclamation recognizing LGBTQIA+ residents reflects an agenda rather than community inclusion.

Speakers framed their remarks around two themes: requests that library displays for young children be reviewed for age appropriateness, and appeals that the county and city treat LGBTQIA+ residents with dignity and support. The comments prompted brief back-and-forth between commissioners and several speakers but no formal county action was taken.

Why it matters: The discussion reflects a local debate over libraries’ role in presenting materials and community recognition. County commissioners noted the city commission and the library board make library policy and that public input can be directed through those channels.

Barbara Williams of 15699 Kansas Avenue identified herself as a library user and urged stricter screening of children’s books, reading several passages she described as violent and sexually explicit. “If folks are gonna censor books, I want to personally start with this one,” Williams said, adding that families should choose what their children may read.

Amy Bateman of Third Avenue said she wanted the county to “fully understand” the views of city residents who feel their votes and values have been diluted by redistricting. Bateman said she ran on a platform of “conservative Republican pro‑life representing traditional family values” and voiced concern that some displays and proclamations push an agenda on children.

Other commenters urged a different approach. Logan Pinedo, who requested a pride‑month proclamation for the city as a private resident, said the effort was meant to reduce suicide and improve mental health among LGBTQIA+ youth. “If an LGBTQIA+ child has just one supportive adult, their risk of suicide drops significantly,” Pinedo told the commissioners, citing national studies.

Mike Trapp, who identified himself as a former city council member, urged commissioners to avoid mixing religion and politics and to keep public institutions welcoming to residents of different beliefs. Jimmy Nye and Paul Cromer described the role of libraries in exposing readers to unfamiliar ideas and urged caution about restricting access for children.

Commissioners and staff repeatedly noted that the county does not run the city library: decisions about collections and displays rest with the city’s library board and the city commission. Commissioner Duff and other members said that when citizens object, the appropriate channels include public comment to the city commission, participation in library‑board meetings and elections for municipal posts.

A few items of additional context raised in the meeting: a commissioner read passages from a federal executive order about sex and gender definitions and another commissioner said the county can request an executive session with legal counsel to discuss policy questions if needed. Commissioners also discussed a proposed county public‑comment policy (to be reviewed separately) and said they want to preserve opportunities for residents to speak at meetings.

The meeting produced no formal county action on library policy; commissioners suggested residents carry their concerns to the municipal level and to the library board, which the county noted is tasked with assessing age appropriateness of materials.

Looking ahead: Commissioners asked staff to bring a proposed public‑comment policy back for discussion. Several speakers said they will continue to pursue their concerns through city elections, library‑board meetings and community outreach.