Mat-Su library advisory committee keeps 'Maybe Now' in adult section; adds two titles to reconsideration list

The Matanuska-Susitna Borough Library Citizen Advisory Committee on Monday reviewed a challenge to the book Maybe Now and indicated the title should remain in the adult section, while adding two additional titles — Fun Home and This Book Is Gay — to the borough’s list for reconsideration.

The committee’s review drew extended public comment, with speakers sharply divided over whether libraries should remove or restrict adult materials and how parental responsibility and library policy should intersect.

Public commenters framed the issue as a matter of free speech and parental authority. Mary Robinson, a resident, told the committee, "We should not make the folly of thinking that boards or committees are the people." Kathy Kaiser said the committee was participating in censorship, telling members, "Today, you've agreed to participate in censorship." Jackie Go forth, who identified herself as a challenger, said she filed multiple challenges previously and defended submitting objections to titles: "I put in 32 book challenges 2 years ago ... I did not expect them to be accepted." Karen Lewis argued the titles under review were "obscene under state law and under federal law." Another commenter who identified herself as a library user and advocate said, "Public public libraries try to support all members of their communities by collecting materials representing all viewpoints."

Committee members reviewed evaluation criteria commonly used to assess suitability for minors and discussed whether the title at issue is a standalone work or part of a series. Staff noted the staff report identified the book as the third in a series and that collection-priority criteria were considered during the review. Several committee members said they lacked the contextual information of the earlier books and evaluated the title on its own. Multiple members stated their preferred disposition aloud and, after discussion, the group signaled to keep Maybe Now in the adult section of the collection; meeting remarks indicate no formal roll-call removal vote was recorded.

Under new business the committee agreed to add two submitted titles to the bottom of the existing reconsideration list. A committee member stated, "They'll be moved to the bottom of the existing list," referring to Fun Home by Alison Bechdel and This Book Is Gay by Juno Dawson.

Speakers and committee members also discussed broader policy questions: whether libraries should adopt clearer parental controls, how librarians should guide minors, and whether the borough needs updated written policies about access to adult materials. Library staff member Hugh said a parent survey of library customers had been conducted and that results would be presented at the library board meeting the next day.

The meeting closed with committee members noting the limits of committee authority and the need for written policy changes. The committee scheduled its next meeting for June 9 and adjourned the session at 5:41 p.m.