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Residents urge Brookings County to pause library funding over book content concerns
Summary
Multiple residents urged the commission to withhold county funding for the Brookings Public Library, citing sexually explicit excerpts in some young‑adult books and asking for age‑based labeling and a grievance process; speakers proposed using a national rating index and a parental opt-out form.
Several residents told the Brookings County Commission during the public comment period that the county should pause funding for the Brookings Public Library until the library establishes stricter age protections.
Sharon Larson, a Brookings County resident, asked commissioners to "pause funding for the Brookings Public Library until you get some accountability from their director or their board," saying excerpts from the young‑adult book Me and Earl and the Dying Girl are inappropriate for readers as young as 11. "Why don't they want guardrails in place to protect the innocence of our kids?" Larson asked.
Other speakers endorsed a temporary funding pause or called for clearer labeling. Susan Struy asked the library to place signage or age restrictions on a young‑adult section, saying some titles should be marked "18 and above." Jeff Strewy urged labeling and a process for restricting access while stressing he was not calling for bans: "Notice I did not say ban. We are asking our commissioners to withhold funding until the system is in place."
Carla Dieter disputed some public reporting and the library director's characterization that questioned books were "re‑rated for the age 12 to 18 range," citing South Dakota statutory definitions of harmful material and recommending the county consider a standardized rating tool (MBRI) and a "Guardian's Green Light" parental opt‑out form. "At a minimum, parents should be able to fill out a form provided by the NBRI," she said.
Why it matters: Speakers framed the matter as an accountability and parental‑rights issue and urged the commission to use its budget leverage to prompt a change in library policy. Commissioners did not take action during the meeting; public comment is advisory and any request to withhold funds would need to be placed on a future agenda for formal consideration.
