Library to keep, relocate disputed book

A book that has been the topic of some heated discussion at recent library meetings will be reshelved after this week’s vote of the board.

The Library of Graham Advisory Board voted 5-2 in favor of keeping “We Need to Talk About Vaginas: An IMPORTANT Book About Vulvas, Periods, Puberty and Sex!” The book will soon be relocated to a yet to be determined area of the library.

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 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.

Those opposed to the removal of the book, but in favor of relocation, stated that while the book may not align with the views of every family, their opinion was that the book could be a helpful resource on female anatomy and reproductive health. They also spoke about the “slippery slope” of banning materials that do not align with an individual's personal views.

Board Vice President Gabby Pitcock and board member Bryan Bivens stood firm in their opinion that the book should be removed from circulation entirely.

“Knowing that there are many better books out there… it just seems responsible. It just surprises me that we're fighting so hard for a book when there are other ones out there…,” Pitcock said. “...I'm not against body books. I'm not against even books about sex. …I mean, you have to have them. And there are kids that don't have parents. But this is like (a member of the public) said, ‘sexualized.’ And once those kids see that, you can't unsee it. Once you read it, you can't unread it. …Why are we not being overcautious on this?”

Non-voting members of the board, Weta Phillips and Peggy Sonnenberg, also spoke about the book. Sonnenberg spoke on her opinion of how the book could be helpful to children and preteens.

“Well, I'm pretty old and, personally, it would have been nice to have a book like this when I was growing up – even the picture of penetration. You know, when you're a young child, or even a preteen, you hear all sorts of stories, you have no idea what's going on. And I think a book like this really explains it,” Sonnenberg said.

Phillips stated that she believed the book could be beneficial, if placed in the proper section of the library.

“If it's placed in the proper place, children will not be able to get to it, and then if parents want to see it and read it, (they can),” Phillips said. “There's a couple of things I kind of have objection to in the book. That's why, I think, …we need to make an area for health for parents who decide to check that out. If they want to go over the book, they can censor the book themselves when they read it to the child, if there's something they don't want to address that’s in the book.”

Board members Stefani Schutz and Christie Andrews discussed how the book could be beneficial when used to discuss difficult topics.

“I stand firm that I feel like this book offers insights on very hard and awkward conversations that our children need to hear about because it is their future, especially if they're young girls. They're going to go through puberty as they change into adults,” Schutz said. “So I just feel like it offers valuable insight that really is critical, again, as a public library that we need to keep that here.”

Andrews stated that she hopes to expand the library’s selection of books on similar topics in order to serve a broader audience.

“I love what people have said about the idea of more books like this. If there are books that better represent different worldviews and beliefs, by all means, … we want those,” Andrews said. “I think that we should represent a multitude of ideas in our library. And if people feel like it's too one sided at this time, we should have some more books. So I would love more recommendations.”

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