Public Libraries: “Oklahoma Library System Embroiled in Issue Over Placement of LGBT Books

From the National Coalition Against Censorship

Oklahoma LGBT activists are calling into question a local library policy that limits the placement of LGBT-themed books to a section that holds books on sensitive topics such as drug use, incarceration and sexual abuse.
The Metropolitan Library System in Oklahoma [Oklahoma City Metro Area] shelves popular LGBT themed books like Heather Has Two Mommies and King and King in its “family talk” section. The section is named as such because of the parental discretion required for a child’s access, something reinforced by the height of the shelves. The policy is over a decade old. In 2006 library officials reached a compromise with local politicians, library commission members and parents who were concerned about the availability of LGBT-themed books for their children. Rather than remove the books from the library completely, as was requested, it was agreed the books would be kept in the special section. Two years later, a library commission member amended the policy to ensure the section remains at least 5 feet from the ground.

Read the Complete Blog Post
News Reports
Book Placement Of LGBT Themes at Issue At Metro Libraries in Oklahoma City (via The Oklahoman)
LGBTQ Rights Group Fighting to Change a Library Policy They Call Discriminatory (via KOKH, Fox 25)

Filed under: Libraries, News, Public Libraries, Reports