Residents urge Sumner County library board to remove or label books; others defend librarians' discretion

Dozens of residents urged the Sumner County Library Board on Monday to remove or more clearly label library books they described as "heavy" or inappropriate for children, while librarians and other speakers urged the board to rely on professional collection policies and existing parental controls.

The meeting was a work study called by the board chair (speaker 4) and included a two-minute public-comment period. "I think books in the libraries that can contain heavy or highly sensitive content should include clear content warning labels so readers will know what they're getting ready to check out," said Tanya Ray, who gave her Gallatin address for the record.

Other commenters pushed for removal. "I do not think that they need to be in our library, at least not in the children's section," Denise Hiam of Hendersonville said. Sonnet Pentecost said she was speaking for "the vast majority of Sumner County" in asking that the titles be removed, and referenced an executive order she said prohibits spending tax dollars on "transgender items." Jack Elston, invoking constitutional protections, warned against viewpoint discrimination, and urged care in citing medical authorities: "Let's be careful in claiming what the AMA says and what the AMA does not say," he said.

Librarians and defenders of the collections pushed back. Jill Cornelius called the controversy "ridiculous" and said the board should focus on outreach and services. Jesse McKinney, who identified himself as a teacher, argued that library directors were hired for their expertise and that the board should not micromanage individual titles: "Let them do their jobs," he said. Several librarians noted that many of the books under review have not circulated recently and would be subject to standard weeding procedures.

Why it matters: The public comments framed tension between residents who want stricter controls or removals and librarians who want to retain professional discretion and use established challenge processes. The issue has administrative momentum: the list of titles under review was compiled by library directors in response to a letter from Secretary of State Trey Hargett, and the board must indicate next steps to that office.

The meeting did not include formal votes. The board chair said she would consult with library administration and legal staff to determine what the Secretary of State's office requires and report back at the next meeting.