Fresno County Board of Supervisors Meeting – Library Book Censorship

On November 7, Supervisor Steve Brandau will bring a resolution to the Fresno County Board of Supervisors. Click here to read the resolution. The resolution would create a 15-member panel (3 selected from each Fresno County Supervisor’s district). The only requirement for appointment to this council would be that the member be 18 years of age and reside within the appropriate supervisorial district. They would not be required to have a background or experience in library services, literature, child development, or even be a parent. This panel would review all books currently in the children’s section of the Fresno County Library as well as any proposed additions to the library’s catalog, and make determinations on what materials they consider to be age-appropriate and acceptable for all Fresno County children. They would then ensure that children’s free access to these books at the Library be restricted.  

Right now every parent has the right to choose the books their own child will read. They can choose to review books with or for their child, or they can empower their children to make book choices for themselves. The Library allows parents to make those choices for their own children and not based upon what other people who may have different values, interests, cultures, or religions would choose. It should remain this way. This resolution would remove that freedom of choice for Fresno County parents and children.