As national debates continue over restricting or banning books, a new policy in the Matanuska-Susitna Borough brings the discussion to the local level.
The borough already has the Library Citizens’ Advisory Committee or LCAC.
The LCAC is a seven-member board formed in 2024 in response to public concern about books for children and teens already in a library.
It handles formal book challenges of young adult titles in the libraries. It does not consider books in the adult collection.
The Borough Library Board, created in 2004, has nine members appointed by the mayor. Its focus has been advocacy, planning and long-term strategy for the libraries.
Under the new policy adopted last spring, the Library Board now reviews all planned purchases of books and materials for the Borough libraries.
The board receives lists of hundreds of titles and materials from the libraries each month. The lists are also made available to the public on the borough website.
The Library Board’s process for reviewing materials mirrors the system adopted last year for the LCAC to review library book challenges.
Materials flagged by any board member during a meeting are reviewed by board members and voted on at the next meeting.
Items rejected by the board are then evaluated by Community Development Director Jillian Morrissey for a final decision.
A list of more than 500 items was reviewed for the first time at last month’s Library Board meeting held in Talkeetna. No material reviews were selected for review at that meeting.
Supporters of the policy say the goal is increased public involvement in selection of library materials. Critics say it could delay access to books and increase staff workload.
The next Library Board meeting is Monday, October 14 at the Sutton Library.
This story was reported by Amy Buchatz of The Mat-Su Sentinel and adapted for broadcast by Big Cabbage Radio and Page Two News.
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