Mat-Su library advisory committee reviews two challenged books, director affirms placement of Judy Blume title

Matanuska-Susitna Borough — The Library Citizen Advisory Committee on Feb. 10 reviewed two challenged titles and discussed possible changes to how the borough’s libraries notify parents about material checked out by minors. Community Development Director Jillian Morrissey announced an administrative decision to keep Judy Blume’s Forever in the young-adult section of the Willow Library and said four committee members were in alignment with that decision.

Morrissey read a prepared memo to the committee and told members she had reviewed the committee’s prior scorecards and comments. "After reviewing all the comments on the dais scorecards notes, the MSB as administrative policy 'Forever' by Judy Blume, will remain in the young adult section of the Willow Library," Morrissey said. She added that "parents and guardians can view their children's checked out books at any time by logging into their account online or inquiring at the library," and that the Joint Alaska Library Network is updating its app to allow parents to tether their account to a child’s account.

Why it matters: The committee’s work helps the borough balance public access to library materials with concerns raised by residents about content and age-appropriateness. The director’s administrative ruling ends the local committee’s review for Forever but leaves open policy and process questions that speakers and some committee members raised at the meeting.

Public comment and committee discussion

Several borough residents told the committee they wanted challenged titles…