Common sense needed in library debate
Jim Gaston.
File photo
I have supported libraries in WNC for over 12 years and been a lifelong library patron. I support all viewpoints being equally represented on shelves providing that librarian gatekeepers allow true balance. However, I do not support or trust an unaccountable bureaucracy with its thumb on the scales of public opinion that entangles three different counties causing unnecessary conflict.
There was never controversy until the American Library Association (of which the Fontana Regional Library system staff are members) decided several years ago to “move libraries to the left.” That statement came directly from the former ALA president who is a self-proclaimed Marxist. How would people react to the ALA and the FRL “moving libraries to the right?”
Through non-library functions as described in the FRL’s Long Range Goals policy, the FRL has carried water for the DEI movement doing exactly the opposite of bringing people together. Why is “environmental sustainability, affordable living, recreation and leisure services, social responsibility, health and wellness, and diversity, equity, and inclusion” suddenly a job of a library when those matters have never been library business before? Neighboring county libraries do not pursue those functions. If a bureaucrat thinks it’s a good idea, why not spend public money opening a mechanic’s garage in the Health Department or incorporate a fruit and vegetable stand at the county landfill?
The FRL director once admitted at a board meeting in 2023 that “the FRL strives to promote a certain culture.” Why is culture a job of any publicly funded organization? There is ample evidence of targeting children with sexual book promotions and literature along with other ideological examples such as tampons in men’s bathrooms, BLM flags, over-the-counter pharmacies and pronoun usage suddenly becoming vogue at the FRL.
When patrons respectfully protested, the FRL refused compromise (even as other libraries evolved away from this ideology) and doubled down by changing their policies to further insulate themselves. The FRL even banned speech at public meetings without a vote from the trustees. Libraries are supposed to be for everyone no matter our political stripes. Public places are where we are supposed to find common ground, yet when social and political ideologies get preference, we see the fallout nationwide and coverup with emotion and disinformation.
How would people on the left like for the FRL to “Back the Blue” in the wake of the George Floyd movement or actively promote ideas such as traditional family values, abstinence, prayer, adoption, pro-life or America First? All of these topics are popular nationwide, yet the FRL does not recognize any of them with library culture or preference, nor should it. The majority of people don’t want to ban books or push an agenda; we just want libraries to be libraries, not activist centers. It’s really that simple.
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It’s been pointed out by others that FRL’s problems go deeper than content. They’re also financial. In Macon County, with a population of 38,065, the 2024–25 budget allocated $1.18 million to library services — $30.99 per capita. That’s nearly double the spending of counties like Yadkin ($14.03) or Alexander ($20.26), which operate comparable or greater numbers of library branches. Jackson County spends even more — $1.38 million, or $31.01 per resident — making it the highest per capita spender among counties its size in the state. With that kind of money sloshing around, what are we doing about safety? Drug needles are constantly found around library buildings, and a sex offender has been caught in a Jackson County library more than once.
Finally, the FRL tells us that certain people groups deserve to be represented, but guess who is really under-represented? Red heads. Elderly people. Haitians. Handicapped. None of these groups choose to be that way, yet where is their subjective month of celebration, book promotions, drag queen story hour or bathroom use? What about farmers, ballet dancers, and utility linemen? Bottom line is that no one cares if a person is heterosexual, prefers the Vols to the Tar Heels, likes ham sandwiches over PB&J, or is gay. We all already have the same equal rights. No one is being oppressed by someone merely disagreeing with their lifestyle. The entire notion of sexual ideology being something society focuses on is ridiculous. This ideology was rejected by nationwide democracy in 2024. Poll after independent poll reveal that Americans are tired of the nonsense. Just be secure in your lifestyle without playing the victim card. None of us as mere humans are entitled to special treatment or recognition. We can be nice to each other no matter what lifestyle we desire, but our politicized preferences never belong on display at public locations paid for with public money. It’s time for county governments to reclaim fiscal control and common sense to ensure accountability.
