Supervisors defend library reforms after public objections over book placement and parental choice

The Maricopa County Board of Supervisors approved item 135, a bundled library-district package, and heard multiple public speakers who pressed the board to move certain books from children's sections and to strengthen parental-choice controls.

Barbara Ratti told the board she had visited county libraries and said some titles in children's collections were "not normal" and urged that an identified teen health book be moved: "I encourage you to get all this done as soon as possible and notify Mr. Reeder." Ratti cited Arizona criminal statutes by number when urging protections for minors.

Supervisor remarks and county staff updates followed public comment. County Manager Jen Pekorski told the board library staff had moved some adult health books out of children's sections, were expanding a parental-choice program across libraries and would present additional options to the board when ready: "We also are working on expanding our parental choice program across all libraries and continuing to evaluate other options, which we will present to the board and share with the public when they're ready."

Several supervisors framed the board's work as responsive to parents and library cardholders. After the vote, Chairman Thomas Galvin said the county is addressing library issues more actively than many other jurisdictions and pledged continued work: "Supervisor Stewart leads with this issue... I really challenge anyone here who's faulting the board of supervisors to really point out any other jurisdictions that's working on it." He added that supervisors and staff would continue to pursue reforms and parental-choice measures.

The library-district package carried unanimously; the board and county manager said further staff reports and public-facing proposals would be provided as changes are developed.