Upper Adams board adopts first reading of new library materials policy after hours of public comment

The Upper Adams School Board on Jan. 23 approved first reading of a revised library materials policy (policy 109.2) after extended public comment and a long explanation from administrators about how the changes would be implemented.

Supporters said the policy clarifies parental oversight and narrows students' access to age-inappropriate material. "This policy will protect the students of this district and that will also protect parents' rights to guide their own children," said Anielle Le, a freshman who addressed the board during the citizen comment period.

Several parents and community members urged the board to act. "I rise this evening to thank the board members who have supported these proposed revisions, taking seriously their duty to protect the students and to avoid undermining the students' parents," said Matt lustig, who identified himself as a district graduate and parent.

Opponents countered that the changes amounted to book restrictions and would tie librarians' hands. "I don't need or want you to parent my children — that's my job," said Rachel Elliot, a district resident who said the proposed hybrid policy would effectively ban books and urged the board to vote no; she said her petition opposing the policy had more than 600 signatures.

Board and staff leaders described an implementation plan that targets a small subset of titles and uses multiple checks before removing or restricting access. The plan calls for librarians to cross-check titles flagged by external lists (for example, BookLooks and other databases) and, if a title meets the policy criteria for excessive profanity or explicit sexual content, place it in an inaccessible location in the library subject to a parent opt-in process.

Policy committee members stressed the plan balances due diligence with available staff resources. The committee presentation noted the district's collection contains roughly 14,000 titles and emphasized that only a fraction would require review; staff said the parental-control elements will be phased in and that the written enactment date will be the start of the 2025–26 school year.

After discussion and a request to clarify timing, a motion to adopt the policy's first reading (with the enactment timing clarified to the fall start date) passed on roll call.

What happens next: The policy was approved on first reading and will return for a second reading where the board will finalize language and the enactment schedule before full implementation at the start of the 2025–26 school year.