Residents press Citrus County library advisory board to restore Charlie Kirk books and display

Several residents used the meeting’s public‑comment period to press the Citrus County Special Library taxing district advisory board to reverse a recent decision about a proposed Charlie Kirk display and to add more copies of his books to library shelves.

Amber Panuto of Ocala said Kirk’s recommended reading list and conservative ideas “saved my life,” and asked the board to allow a display or ensure the books are available. La la Sanders of Inverness and Ray Brown of Homosassa echoed the request and urged the board not to let the matter be shelved. Dean Bales argued Kirk is a published author and asked that the library reconsider placing his works where patrons can access them.

Library Director Chang told the board the system buys additional physical copies when holds reach about eight per item; digital holds historically had wider ratios and cost more. He said one newly released Kirk title had eight holds with three copies incoming, and several other Kirk titles were on shelves. Chang also explained the library’s donation practice: donors give to a category or fund used to purchase material rather than directing staff to buy a specific titled copy.

Board members and speakers urged patrons who want more copies to place holds or donate toward purchases. Speaker 11 advised that patrons can donate money earmarked for titles in a category or put books on hold so circulation data shows demand. The chair emphasized the advisory board cannot unilaterally require the system to erect displays or change policy and said the Board of County Commissioners had taken notice and is expected to consider a display resolution at a future meeting.

Next steps: Director Chang offered to check patrons’ positions on specific holds and to estimate wait times; the county commission was identified as the body that would make any formal decision about displays.