Resident says changes to library policy 2535 risk censorship; asks who counts as community

A public comment from Readington Township resident Katherine Duga was read aloud at the board meeting, objecting to recent language added to library materials policy 2535. Duga identified herself as a resident and asked the board to consider who it defines as "community," listing students, parents, teachers, librarians and neighboring residents as stakeholders who should be included in that definition.

Duga wrote that procedural, legal and political concerns have been raised in past public comments, but her focus was community inclusion: "Are the students whose opportunities are being limited ... part of the community?" she asked. She argued the added 2535 language "is a solution and searchable problem" and warned the board that implementing board‑level content restrictions could amount to censorship. Duga noted the district already has parental monitoring and a complaint/escalation process for resource materials and said dissatisfaction after following that process should not justify broader restrictions.

Her written comment asked the board to document the statement as a public comment in the record. Board members acknowledged receipt and then moved to executive session for a confidential legal update and the superintendent's evaluation.