Mat-Su residents clash over library materials during Assembly meeting
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Summary
Dozens of borough residents urged the Assembly to remove what they called sexually explicit materials from public libraries, while other speakers and library officials defended intellectual freedom and warned of legal and financial consequences; Assembly requested a staff report on library procurement and Friends groups’ involvement.
Dozens of residents filled the Mat-Su Borough Assembly Chambers on Dec. 2 to press opposing views about books on local library shelves.
Supporters of removing certain titles told the Assembly they had found pornographic or explicit material in children’s sections and asked officials to remove those books, restrict access or put the policy before voters. Chris Tyree told the Assembly he had copies of laws he said the libraries violated. Janice Norman said taxpayers should not pay for materials she described as "explicit." Danielle Witsack said a child in her family had discovered explicit content on a library shelf and that, as a parent, she no longer trusted the children's section.
Library advocates and board members countered that the borough’s libraries provide essential services and that claims of obscene books are overstated. Mary Robinson, a borough resident, said "There are no obscene books in any library" and urged the Assembly to follow legal process rather than removing titles at public pressure. Kathy Kaiser, representing the Borough Library Board, described library partnerships, circulation statistics and programs across the valley and said the financial share of library materials in the borough budget is a fraction of a tax dollar.
Speakers from both sides cited past litigation: supporters of open access reminded the Assembly of a recent court case in which students prevailed and the borough paid nearly $100,000; opponents argued legal language supports removal. Several speakers suggested the Library Citizens Advisory Committee and the library challenged-book process should be reviewed or strengthened.
Assemblymember Michael Bowles requested a staff report on how library materials are selected, procured and managed — including any role that Friends groups have on borough web pages or in procurement — and asked that the report be provided in January so the Assembly can consider next steps.
The Assembly did not take policy action at the meeting; members emphasized the need to follow formal procedures and noted that legal risk and prior court settlements make immediate, unilateral removal of materials a high-cost, high-risk approach.
