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Residents urge Appomattox County to preserve library Pride display, warn of funding risk
Summary
During public comment at the June 15 meeting, three residents defended a Pride Month display at Jameson Library and said removing materials in response to complaints risks violating the Virginia Human Rights Act and endangering state aid (cited at $96,000 this year).
During public comment on June 15, residents addressed a dispute over a Pride Month display at Jameson Library and urged the county not to remove materials in response to complaints.
Evelyn Ford told the Board of Supervisors that the library had followed prior direction to avoid a display in the children’s section and placed the Pride materials in the adult section. Ford said staff reported no direct negative patron comments and that most objections were limited to a social‑media post that was removed after supportive replies. She warned that, under the Virginia Human Rights Act, discrimination based on sexual orientation or gender identity could jeopardize state funding; Ford stated the library received $96,000 in state aid this year.
Jonathan Little also addressed the board and argued the display did not harm children and that offended patrons have the option to avoid specific materials rather than impose censorship on the entire community.
Board members did not take formal action at the meeting on library policy; the public‑comment speakers presented appeals for the library to maintain diverse displays and for the board to respect intellectual freedom. No staff presentation or ordinance concerning library policy was before the board at this meeting.
