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Residents urge Brookings County commissioners to flag explicit content in ‘young adult’ library books
Summary
Two Brookings County residents told commissioners they are concerned that some 'young adult' titles at the Brookings Library contain explicit sexual content and foul language and asked the county to explore ways to mark books so parents can identify such material at a glance.
Peggy Parker and Nancy Stewart told the Brookings County Board of County Commissioners during the public-comment period that they are troubled by some 'young adult' books available at the Brookings Library, saying the titles contain explicit sexual content, foul language and instructional material on sexual activity. Parker asked the commission to help find a way to mark the exterior of books so parents can determine at a glance whether a title includes explicit material.
Commission Department Director Stacy Steffensen said she and Chairperson Shawn Hostler met with Director of Library Services Ashia Gustafson and Assistant City Manager Samanatha Beckman of the City of Brookings; Steffensen said the library will provide monthly and quarterly reports to the county and that the library’s request for a county ex‑officio seat on its board was denied (Steffensen said she has not received that denial in writing). The commission did not take formal action during the meeting; commissioners indicated they would review options and the county ordinance if changes to oversight or labeling practices are desired.
