Council to consider overturning library board decision

City council is considering whether or not to overturn a recent library board decision to retain and reshelve a contested book as part of Thursday’s meeting.

The Library of Graham Advisory Board voted Thursday, Nov. 9 in favor of keeping “We Need to Talk About Vaginas: An IMPORTANT Book About Vulvas, Periods, Puberty and Sex!” The book is currently set to be relocated to a yet to be determined area of the library.

Following the decision by the library board, eight local pastors submitted a letter to Graham City Council members encouraging them to reject the board’s decision and remove the book entirely from the library.

The item was placed on the Thursday, Dec. 7 agenda of the Graham City Council to ratify, amend, or overturn the decision by the library board.

The meeting will be held at 8:30 a.m. at 608 Elm St.

The book, authored by Dr. Allison K. Rodgers, is a non-fiction, illustrated book that shares information on sensitive topics such as anatomy, sex, periods, consent and more.

Members of the public in attendance at the October and November library board meetings had complained about the book’s close proximity to the children’s section in recent meetings.

While the recommended age range is 11 to 14, there was concern that it may be picked up by a younger child which could expose them to “sensitive material.” Most were for removal of the book entirely, rather than relocation.

Public speakers in favor of the book’s removal dominated the board’s October special meeting, but the audience was mixed at the Thursday, Nov. 9 meeting.

The board ended discussion, with board President Ryan Gordy, Christy Chappell, Carol Phaling, Christie Andrews and Stefani Schutz voting for relocation of the book, with Bryan Bivens and Gabby Pitcock voting against.

Interim Library Director Deanna Bullock will make a decision on where the book will be reshelved and will report to the board during their December meeting.