Mat-Su library advisory committee debates whether Anne Frank graphic adaptation belongs in young-adult stacks

Members of the Matanuska-Susitna Borough Library Citizens Advisory Committee and members of the public debated whether a graphic adaptation of Anne Frank’s diary should remain in the library’s young-adult collection or be moved to the adult stacks.

The discussion focused on three issues: whether the adaptation accurately represents Anne Frank’s diary, whether graphic depictions of anatomy are appropriate for patrons under 16, and whether the format helps or hinders readership. Committee staff said the edition had been submitted for review and that five additional titles would be available for consideration at the committee’s next meeting.

Hugh Leslie, Parks, Recreation and Library Services manager for the Matanuska-Susitna Borough, told the committee that the staff report before members addressed the graphic adaptation. “You have in your packet the staff report for Anne Frank’s diary, the graphic adaptation,” Leslie said, introducing the item and…