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Residents and council spar over Pride‑themed library display; mayor asks legal counsel to review authority
Summary
A council member questioned a Pride‑related display at the Somerset County library branch in Peapack and Gladstone; residents called the comments offensive. The council asked staff and legal counsel to determine whether the borough has authority over library displays and to consult the county library system.
A council member raised concerns on June 30 about a display at the Somerset County Library System branch located in Peapack and Gladstone, saying residents found a Pride‑themed display and certain young‑adult books placed near the teen area to be politically charged and, in one commenter’s view, inappropriate for children.
The exchange became heated when a resident, Christine Kiernan, addressed the council during public comment, saying a council member’s prior remarks about LGBTQ topics were offensive and urging the member to “stay in your lane.” Kiernan told the council the remarks had hurt members of the transgender and LGBTQ community and asked the council to stop making personal attacks.
Other residents and council members disagreed about whether the display was political or a library decision. Borough staff and legal counsel advised that the branch is part of the Somerset County Library System and that the borough likely lacks direct operational control over display choices. The borough’s lawyer and staff said they would research the legal authority, including any preemption under county or state law, and report back at the next meeting. The mayor suggested interested residents bring pictures and, if warranted, address the Somerset County Library System directly.
The council did not take formal action to remove or alter the display but asked staff to look into whether any borough action is possible and to consult county officials as needed.
