Residents, library advisory board members and commissioners engaged in an extended discussion about a proposed county policy governing displays in branch libraries, a subject that drew repeated public testimony and divergent views on governance and free-speech risks.

Commissioner Jeff Kennard proposed a policy intended to keep library displays focused on the library’s mission — literacy, education and community enrichment — and to limit politicized or memorial-style exhibits. Some public commenters and other commissioners urged that library staff and the Library Advisory Board (LAB) should retain control and that the county should not supplant professional library judgment. Others argued the county has the elected authority to set broad policy.

Key concerns included potential First Amendment viewpoints claims if outside groups can apply for displays, how the LAB’s advisory role should be preserved, and whether the county policy could create legal exposure. After discussion, the board directed staff to combine Commissioner Kennard’s draft with the library’s existing policy, remove an outside-group application process, and return the consolidated policy for further consideration. The motion passed by the board with initial support recorded as 4–0 while one commissioner was temporarily absent; staff will produce a draft for the board to review.

Why it matters: Library displays have become a flashpoint in Citrus County, generating citizen complaints and legal caution about viewpoint discrimination. The board’s direction aims to keep displays centered on literacy and local interest while limiting external applications that might produce litigation.

Next steps: Staff will draft a merged policy reflecting the board’s direction and return it for review; the Library Advisory Board and library management will be involved in the drafting process.