HomeMy WebLinkAbout05-20-2024 BLT Meeting - Public CommentsTo the Newport Beach Library Board Library Trustees
I’m writing in favor of reassigning (not banning) the book, “It Feels Good to be
Yourself “to an adult only section of the Library. To offer a book to 5 - 8 year olds
promoting that at that age they can decide what gender they want to be is
ridiculous and outrageous. The average age when a child learns out to tie their
shoes is between 6 and 8 years old.
I quote from the book, “That means when she was born, everyone thought she
was a boy until she grew a little older- old enough to tell everyone that she
actually is a girl”. The author is saying that a 5 year old is intellectually capable of
making a scientific discovery of what sex they are or feel they want to be and if
that does not work they can choose a gender of choice. There are only two sexes,
male and female. The author in an attempt to groom her readers promotes the
man made contrivance of multiple genders. This is a blatant lie with no scientific
basis. Currently the gender count is at 12, LGBTQQIP2SAA2s (lesbian, gay,
bisexual, transgender, queer, questioning, intersex, pansexual, two-spirit
(2S), androgynous, and asexual) and growing. All of this non-sense is offered
in the name of DEI, which actually means, Didn’t Earn It!
The author also suggests that there is a buffet of choices for our 5 to 8 year olds. I
quote, “There are many different ways to be a boy or a girl”, “There are many
ways to be non-Binary”, and “You might feel like your gender changes from day to
day or year to year”. Picking your sex or gender is like fast food, maybe a burger
today and chicken nuggets tomorrow! With so many choices one will be able to
determine their own Gender Trajectory or GT. Colleges could offer it as a new
advanced degree.
The final complete falsehood shared by the author, I quote, “When you were
born….they looked at you and made a guess”. That is quality BS. God created a
man and a women, humans had no part of that situation and for an author to
promote these contrived choices is a false narrative and high stakes grooming on
steroids. You have a responsibility to stop this foolishness now. Reassign this
book to another section of Library for parent check out only.
Bill Dunlap, Newport Beach
You know what did make me feel really bad about myself as a white person? Thomas Jefferson. Every book or history passage about Thomas Jefferson helped me idolize him. I –like most American children my generation – was roped into hero worship for men called“founding fathers.” I was told Thomas Jefferson was enlightened and focused on freedom. Basically, that he was a good man. Hence, in public spaces, I lauded Thomas Jefferson. I quoted him in papers. And then I visited Monticello. And I learned that he had raped Sally Hemings when she was just a CHILD (age 14, so not able to consent under current laws) while in Paris. And she had his six children, who were then also slaves on his property. I visited the slave quarters on Monticello – tiny dark little boxes with no running water, no climate control, and hardly room to lie down. I felt angry and ashamed that the children’s books I read did not even mention he owned slaves. They whitewashed history and tricked me into lauding this person in public—affecting my own reputation and feelings of self-worth.
So now that “Not My Idea” is being challenged, I see history repeating itself. The ideas in there are relatively new to the general population consciousness, but not at all new to certain communities. Irish immigrants were horribly discriminated against until they were able to become “white,” for example. They knew that back in the early1900s. German immigrants were even subject to a law that made it illegal to speak German at home (until it was overturned by the Supreme Court) until they became “white” too. The complainers do not want these ideas taught. They want to turn a blind eye to our nation’s past sins and pretend like everyone is born with a clean slate, in the same country, with the same opportunities. *Some* white people agree with them with good intentions because their sheltered lives simply have never exposed them personally to anything else. But, Black people grow up quite differently, even in the same neighborhood. For example, my friend who lives in a nearby$20-million home took her kids to a local park in Newport Beach, where a white family asked her kids if they had horns. In all seriousness. Race still matters! And we need books that are available and accessible to kids so they do not say things that hurt others, or that cause them to be fired from their first job someday for (unintentional) harassment or discrimination. If we whitewash history and hide the books that reveal different ideas and truths that most of the country has access to, we are tricking our kids into lauding people that they might regret, and preventing them from developing as critical thinkers and compassionate people. Or, we are making the children’s library boring and irrelevant—driving them to the internet.
The new proposed collection policy is unconstitutionally overbroad and vague.
The new proposed collection policy would prevent any books with pictures from the Louvre museum in Paris—probably the most famous art museum in the world. The complainers would ban The David from any materials for children! Human anatomy is artistic and healthy and scientific and part of life – hiding it makes it something forbidden and dark. When my kids broke their bones, we checked out a book on anatomy from the library. Now, one of those kids wants to be a doctor! Exposing kids to facts and ideas requires having access to a children’s library that collects books that are diverse and relevant to our community. The new collection policy would eliminate great children’s books that are artistic, funny, and age-appropriate because the proposed policy is overbroad.
The new proposed collection policy is also vague. These days, ANYTHING can be politically or socially “divisive.” Even pooping, as we saw when the picture book “Everyone Poops” was removed from the shelves in Huntington Beach because it pictured a drawing of a toddler with no pants on—required for pooping. The proposed language is so vague and overbroad that literally any book could be challenged, leaving librarians with no time to do anything else! As stated above, I could challenge any and every book about George Washington or Thomas Jefferson for failing to mention that they owned other humans as property, which omission is extremely offensive to me and harmful to children. Meanwhile, it appears that Haley Jenkins will challenge any books that references slaveholding by white people, so we are at an impasse as to every single book that covers American History.
Also, the proposed changes include not wanting to rely on the assigned grade level ratings of books because not every kid is at the same level at the same age. Obviously, kids learn at different levels. But some are extremely advanced! The standard should be whether many kids in those grades are ready for those books – and they are. The fact that some kids are not is irrelevant because the beauty of the freedom to read in the First Amendment is that it includes the freedom to not read—to not compel speech or adherence to any ideas. So these complainer families are 100% protected from having to agree with any books in the library. BUT, the First Amendment also protects kids’ rights to access age-appropriate books about all topics, regardless of viewpoint. Please do not punish advanced readers/thinkers by dumbing down the entire children’s library.
Relocating books is denying the same access to these books, which is unconstitutional No one has to check out books. Any good parent will preview books of kids under age 10 to make sure they are appropriate for their individual child. And again, even though I heard Board Member Chase Rief say he sometimes leaves his own kids unattended, that is not the rule – the rule is that EVERY CHILD UNDER AGE 12 must be monitored by an adult in the library. Last month, the board was complicit in denying some kids access to book to satisfy the minority of parents who do not want to do their job in monitoring their own kids in the library, and also do not want their kids to accidentally find a book about trans kids. This happened despite numerous parents of trans kids who spoke up to say their families’ lives would have been much improved if their children had access to these same books.
To deny kids the OPPORTUNITY to discover ideas that are widely known by other segments of society – such as that Thomas Jefferson owned slaves, or that Sally Ride was a lesbian –disadvantages the kids who use the Newport Beach Public Library, and makes our town look like it wants to raise ignoramuses. John Oliver already is mocking Huntington Beach’s library censorship in a national forum. And he includes a picture of your Board in his latest segment on libraries: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=42xZB80sZaI (Note: John Oliver’s segment is NOT rated appropriate for children, but it does provide you adults with a lot of information that seems to be missing from the new proposed collection policy.) This segment explains the legal definition of obscenity, which might be useful for any new collection policy, since anything beyond that smacks of illegal viewpoint discrimination.
In our democracy, the First Amendment to the U.S. Constitution forbids you from eliminating age-appropriate children’s books that feature art, same-sex couples, gender nonconforming people, refugee stories, Black history, and race theory. The possibility that the existence of these topics in life might make some readers uncomfortable is IRRELEVANT to any legal analysis. The only relevant consideration is whether these books are inappropriate for ages 12 or under according to well established community standards.
“Not My Idea, ” It Feels Good to Be Yourself: A Book About Gender Identity,” and“Who Are You? The Kid's Guide to Gender Identity” are all age-appropriate for many
kids age 12 or under according to constitutional standards.
This is what Common Sense Media says about Higgenbotham’s book: Anastasia
Higgenbotham's Not My Idea: A Book About Whiteness is part of Dottir Press' Ordinary Terrible Things series. It's a powerful picture book that explains what White supremacy is and
how it has been used to oppress Black people. It centers on a White parent who's trying to keep this reality from her kid, insisting that “we don’t see color.” The main character bravely
demands answers from her mom. Educational messages include how to go to the library and get informed about U.S. history. The book also encourages kids (and grown-ups) to talk about
racism and stand up for what's right. Scary elements include references to the police shooting a Black person and historical images of violence, like burning crosses, and snarling,
menacing police dogs. This is a great book to spark informed discussions of race, racism, and police violence against people of color. Not My Idea: A Book About Whiteness was named
one of School Library Journal's Best Books of 2018.
When my own grandpa was 6 or 7, much younger than the age rating for this book, he watched the KKK burn a cross on his own family’s lawn. (His dad was Catholic and running for office. Only in recent American history has Catholicism been accepted into“whiteness”.) You can believe that was upsetting – it was akin to a death threat. My grandpa learned very early the concept of whiteness and power, and how it could “other” people and keep them away from positions of power. He went on to edit a newspaper in Texas, where he featured Black authors and leaders well before it was socially acceptable. (This is also one of the grandpas who fought Nazis.) This is relevant to this book discussion because while the
KKK’s acts were violent and upsetting, he had the opportunity to learn from that knowledge and do some real good in this world. Removing information deprives children of opportunities for knowledge and growth. For kids who want this knowledge and who seek out these books, this is heart-breaking.
When my friend’s Black son was in elementary school and police came to a Newport Beach park where the kids were playing basketball, my friend’s son saw them and ran. He had done nothing wrong, but as a Black child, he knew that white police officers might perceive him as a threat. That was in elementary school. One of the policemen caught him and told him that the police could have shot him for running. SAID THAT TO A CHILD. So these things are happening in Newport Beach. If you do not know that this happens regularly, you come from great privilege and have a choice to learn or not learn these facts about our town, and about America. Many kids do not have this choice. This is their lives we are talking about. So, to say these ideas are somehow not “appropriate” for children aged 11 or 12 is to deny the very lives of people of color who experience racism in their daily life. It is to tell them: “Your life experiences make us (white people) uncomfortable, and we do not want to upset our children by explaining your history in our country.” Notice I am not saying that the complainer is wrong that the book might upset her children. It might! But it should not be removed from the place other children who *are* ready for it and who want to find it can find it.
In this case, “It Feels Good to Be Yourself: A Book About Gender Identity” (Theresa Thorn)(rated grades 1 to 3), “Who Are You? The Kid's Guide to Gender Identity” (Brook Pessin-
Whedbee) (rated Kindergarten to grade 3), and “Not My Idea: A Book About Whiteness”(Anastasia Higginbotham) (grades 4 to 6) are appropriate for children who use the library. The
standard is not whether each book is appropriate for ALL children as each child has different life experiences and reads according to their own reading level. The question also is not
whether or not I personally would check them up for my small nieces and nephews. The challenged books ARE age-appropriate according to well-established standards for pre-teens,
and therefore there is no legally permissible reason to re-locate them up the stairs and around the corner where children would need to pass rows upon rows of inappropriate materials in
order to access them.
The complainer is simply scientifically, medically and legally wrong when she alleges that gender assigned at birth is always correct, or that someone’s assigned gender can never change. The State of California itself provides an X option—in addition to M and F—for one’s gender on an official government document. So the complainer’s statement flies in the
face of state law, as well as generally accepted medical knowledge and research. It also completely ignores the presence of intersex people who literally have anatomy of at least two
genders at birth. The fact that some library patrons are uneducated about medical data is not a reason to allow them to remove books that they do not understand. The fact that the
complainers call very basic information about gender “pornographic” just shows that they understand neither gender nor porn. Pornography is defined by the Supreme Court and these
complainers are using the word to mean something else… something akin to “somehow relating or referencing genitals or gender assignment.” If the library removes anything that
somehow relates to or references genitals or gender assignment, we will have no books about puberty, no books about periods (periods start at age 8, by the way), no books by Judy Blume,
no books about farting, no books about kids who receive spankings, no books about gender at all, … possibly no books about any women or men! This is a ridiculous standard based on
faulty reasoning that should be rejected by this Board.
Finally, the complainer’s point that we parents with older children no longer have “skin in the game” ignores that our children DID have the freedom to read, DID read books including
Melissa, and are more empathetic and more accomplished for it. It is not necessary to have a small child in order to understand that censorship is wrong and illegal, but to the extent the
complainers want to complain about it, I do have 6 nieces and nephews under age 12 who use the library, and who do not want to have to go upstairs, past materials that are not age-
appropriate, and be around adults or teens to find some of the books they want to read.
Gialisa GaffaneyMom, aunt, former Girl Scout leader, community advocate, and professor
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Re: Who Are You? It Feels Good to Be Yourself
“The test of the morality for a society is what it does for its children.”
Deitrich Bonhoeffer
May 18, 2024
Honorable Chairman and Newport Library Board Trustees,
What is a child’s innocence worth to you?
What is a child’s mental health worth to you?
As trustees, and our community gatekeepers appointed to watch on behalf
of parents for age-inappropriate material in the library, you have the power
to move, not ban, this book. By moving this book and not planting seeds
of confusion into a young child’s mind, you will courageously lead a local
effort to restore normalcy and affirm the truth that there are only two
sexes.
The seeds of doubt and gender dysphoria unashamedly sown in It Feels
Good to Be Yourself unfortunately may ultimately lead to unnecessary,
irreversible medical treatment--the medicalization of children. Please don’t
take that chance. Please move the book.
How did this and other books land in the library in the first place? The
National Library Association and its Freedom to Read policy adopted by the
library staff has usurped local control and inserted a dangerous premise
that even little kids should read everything printed per the First Amendment
so they will learn to “think critically for themselves”. That idea is ridiculous
and reprehensible. Children must be protected. Their minds are not mature
enough to handle the gender dysphoria trend which galvanized in the last 5
to 10 years with the transgender craze. Do we have library books for our
children about the benefits of smoking marijuana? Drinking alcohol?
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Getting a tattoo? Getting an abortion? Should we have Playboy or Hustler
in the children’s section? Of course not.
Even in the UK where this insidious radical gender ideology dates to the
60’s, the tide is beginning to turn because many are de-transitioning and
speaking up about the harm.
By moving this book, you will be in line with the United Kingdom’s April
2024 National Health Service report that “instead of being offered mainly
medical treatment, young people referred to NHS gender services should
receive a holistic assessment of their needs to inform an individualised care
plan”, meaning that questions of gender identity should be treated
alongside other possible mental health concerns.” See: Review of gender
services has major implications for mental health services | Transgender |
The Guardian
“It found that a medical pathway, such as puberty blockers, would not
necessarily be the best option for children with gender dysphoria, and
should not be provided “without also addressing wider mental health and/or
psychosocially challenging problems”.
By keeping this book in the library, you are creating future mental health
problems for innocent children.
As a Newport Mesa taxpayer I am here on behalf of the innocent students
at Mariners School who use the Mariners Library. Your current policy
requires a parent to be with the child. But Mariners students do not come
into the library with parent supervision and are able to check out books to
take home or to read at school. One teacher cannot monitor 25-30 children.
Busy parents and taxpayers would never imagine 5- to 8-year-olds would
be reading a book challenging their birth given sex. It’s the parents’
responsibility, you say, to monitor what their child is reading. Fair enough.
But you are trustees entrusted by local taxpayers and parents through the
joint-use agreement with Newport-Mesa Unified School District to make
wise decisions on our behalf.
Who would have thought that after the library was born in 2002 and opened
in 2006, that we would be concerned about books which “groom” kids to
buy into the lie of transgenderism? As a NMUSD trustee 30 years ago, I
know many parents did not support the Mariners Library because they were
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worried about pedophiles assaulting their Mariners children who used the
library. The layout of the library was purposely designed to protect children
because of their complaints. Let’s keep protecting them.
Also, this book is developmentally and educationally inappropriate. Do you
believe a child is mature enough to read this book without being confused?
The doctor, parents, birth certificates affirm sex, not gender. Were all these
people wrong?
The argument that this book builds empathy and understanding is a straw
man. Children are empathetic and understanding and introducing
transgenderism only adds to their confusion and anxiety. Let them read it
when they are older. Removing the book is not viewpoint discrimination
based on the First Amendment. The book is age inappropriate.
Please vote to restore local control for our community and not cave into
destructive progressive ideology. It rests on you to have the courage to say
in this community—we, your library board trustees, will protect our kids. I
implore you to be courageous and reject the pressure from those who may
not even live in our Newport-Mesa community and who boldly deny
biological reality. Vote instead to support local parents, grandparents, and
taxpayers.
Respectfully,
Wendy Leece
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May 19, 2024
Honorable Chairman and Newport Beach Library Trustees,
Re: Appeal Hearing of "Not My Idea-A Book About Whiteness " by Anastasia Higginbotham
I agree with Mrs. Jenkins’s request to move this book from the Children’s Section of Mariners Library.
The author ironically is promoting prejudice and discrimination to a child by blaming white people for
the collective ills of society.
“Racism is a white person’s problem.” Really? This book indoctrinates children in critical race theory,
which is a theory. Children are developmentally incapable of comprehending CRT. This book is
harmful, subjective, and unsuitable for children to read.
Further, it is very disappointing that the review consultants used by the library staff have approved
this book. In fairness, the library staff must acquire consultants/vendors known for offering
conservative reviews so that the “breadth and depth” of all viewpoints is represented, just like our
Newport-Mesa community. We shouldn’t rely on the approval of a few review consultants
I will focus on just one more important reason to move this book.
The author has unfortunately, or maybe purposefully, omitted the famous and principled quote by Rev.
Martin Luther King:
"I have a dream that my four little children will one day live in a nation where they will not be judged
by the color of their skin but by the content of their character.”
Why does the author ignore Dr. King when millions of Americans have used his quote for
years to teach that racism is wrong? Dr. King was right.
This writer is dividing our country and boldly promoting antagonism against whites instead of focusing
on unity and respect for everyone.
Instead of Dr. King’s quote from his “I have a Dream” 1963 speech, the author cites Julian Bond.
Bond helped found the Southern Poverty Law Center and was an emeritus director until his death in
2015.
On its website the SPLC claims several conservative groups are hate groups. That’s a lot of nerve in
a free country to single out many conservative groups. The First Amendment allows us to meet and
promote patriotism, good government, civic engagement, family values, and respect for all peoples.
As a taxpaying citizen who is engaged in civic affairs, I have been, or I am currently involved in
several of these organizations.
By citing Julian Bond, the author, by association is endorsing SPLC ideology naming some California
groups:
Eagle Forum—to enable conservative and pro-family men and women to participate in the process of
self-government and public policymaking so that Americans will continue to be a land of the individual
liberty, with respect for the nuclear family, public and private virtue, and private enterprise.
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Moms for Liberty--10 chapters—A network of parents who fight for their children’s education and
freedom.
Healthy American--“We educate, inform and inspire positive action as we fight for truth and freedom.”
US Justice Foundation-- a nonprofit organization that promotes constitutional rights and limited
government.
Jeremiah Films-makes Christian movies and documentaries
Pacific Justice Institute—a non-profit 501(c)(3) legal defense organization specializing in
the defense of religious freedom, parental rights, and other civil liberties.
Save California- “Save California is exposing what’s wrong, reporting truth, empowering citizens, and
championing family values. We’re about serving you. That means we can’t be ‘bought’ by any party,
politician, or suit.”
Constitution Party--The Constitution Party is a United States political party dedicated to limiting the
federal government to its expressed constitutional boundaries.
Chick Publications--produces Christian tracts.
Act 4 America-- a network of conservative activists who take action on various issues affecting
America.
Please move this book to the adult or parent section.
Respectfully,
Wendy Leece
May 19, 2024
Honorable Chairman and Newport Library Board Trustees,
Re: Appeal Hearing of "Who Are You?" by Brook Pessin-Whedbee
Children through 6th grade are not emotionally mature to understand the
“gender spectrum” described in this book.
I support Debra Klein’s appeal and reasons for moving this book. An
unsupervised child from Mariners School who reads this book would be
very confused and may start on a path to gender dysphoria because of the
idea planted in the child’s head.
Parents trust you to use wisdom and discernment in the selection of library
books delegated to staff. Using an outside book review source, which
adheres to the liberal ALA freedom to read ideology, our library staff is
ignoring the values of our community and inserting progressive values to
innocent children who are too young to understand the concepts.
Rather than creating empathy and understanding, reading this book would
generate confusion and anxiety. We have enough issues in our culture
today without burdening a child with another complex issue.
This book is propaganda. There are two sexes, male and female.
Respectfully,
Wendy Leece
I’m sure that those appealing the Library Director’s decision
will say that this book is not age appropriate. But, I question
if they have read it or if they have spent time with children
lately. Children are fully aware of gender and gender
stereotypes to the point that if they are denied the
messages this book amplifies they mightl suffer from
negative self feelings or build negative feelings towards
others.
It Feels Good To Be Yourself is a clear example of a title
that promotes positive self image and human understanding
and should be kept in the children’s section as a choice for
the children and their families who are looking for
something like it. Please vote to uphold your Librarian’s
decision.
Most sincerely,
Darla Magana
May 20, 2024, BLT Agenda Item Comments
These comments on Newport Beach Board of Library Trustees agenda items are submitted by:
Jim Mosher (),
Item No. 5. Minutes of the April 15, 2024 Board of Library Trustees
Meeting
The passages in italics are from the draft minutes, with corrections suggested in strikeout
underline format.
Page 3 (handwritten page 44 of agenda packet), Item 2, paragraph 4, line 4: “under garments
undergarments.”
Page 3 (handwritten page 44 of agenda packet), line 2 from end: “distributer distributor”
Page 11 (handwritten page 52 of agenda packet), Item 5: “Chair Watkins noted Circulation and
Technical Processing Coordinator Andy Kachaturian exhibited good practice and manners when
responding to a patron’s patron regarding the elevators, restrooms and bistro café.” [or:
“patron’s comments”]
Page 12 (handwritten page 53 of agenda packet), full paragraph 2: “Motion made by Vice Chair
Dorothy Larson, seconded by Secretary Lauren Kramer, and carried (5-0-0-0) to approve the
Consent Calendar Items 1 4-8 with the minor changes to the March 18, 2024 draft minutes.”
Page 13 (handwritten page 54 of agenda packet), full paragraph 4: “Adult Services Coordinator
Spivey, at the request of Chair Watkins, responded to Mr. Mosher stating that she was unaware
of the percentage of material that is new each year but would look into it for him. They do
feature books that are in low demand in a variety of displays in order to help get them in
circulation.”
[Note: I received an emailed response from Adult Services Coordinator Spivery on April 17:
“In the 2022/23 fiscal year, the combined total new items, both physical and digital,
accessible to NBPL patrons was 24,416. For the 2023/24 fiscal year to date, the combined
new item total is 20,073.” So, with 243,000 items in the collection, roughly 10% are new each
year.]
Page 15 (handwritten page 56 of agenda packet), Item XIII, last paragraph: “Jim Mosher
complimented the staff and the Foundation on the launch of the seed library at the Mariners
branch and suggested there may be opportunities outside the branch to plant seeds under the
oak trees tree as a demonstration for people of the seed collection, particularly showing off the
native plants which grow.”
Page 15 (handwritten page 56 of agenda packet), Item XIV, paragraph 1, last sentence:
“Trustee Rief stated he would serve if Vice Chair Larson declined.”
May 20, 2024, BLT agenda item comments - Jim Mosher Page 2 of 4
Item No. 7. Library Activities
Regarding the Facilities report on page 5 (page 66 of the agenda packet):
1. As Item 9 on their April 23 agenda, the City Council approved a $1,023,500 Central
Library Elevator Modernization Project, expected to take 180 working days starting this
summer (the project will be funded by the City’s Facilities Maintenance Master Plan,
which is an “internal service” fund that Library Services, like all departments using
facilities, pays into, but apparently will not be separately paying for this). Was the recent
repair related to approval of this contract? What future disruptions are expected during
the many months of modernization?
2. Regarding the fire sprinkler water line repairs at Mariners, is the end time of the May
28-31 closure announced on page 2 (agenda packet page 63) definite? Or could the
branch open sooner if repairs are completed more quickly?
Regarding the statistics beginning on page 69, it looks increasingly like (with the exception of
program attendance) the post-COVID recovery is slow and most metrics (including especially
patrons served in person) are unlikely to exceed their pre-COVID peaks anytime soon.
Item No. 10. Children's Collection Development Policy Review
The staff report provides little insight into why the changes suggested in redline are being
proposed, or what informed their specific language (such as, Does it draw on policies adopted
elsewhere? Was it reviewed by the City Attorney?)
As to that specific language:
● It might be noted that the term “sensitive materials” is introduced and defined, yet never
used. It is unclear why that was done.
● Similarly, the statement on page 1 (agenda packet page 79), at the start of the redlined
“Responsibility of Selection,” that “The responsibility for material selection for the
Children’s Collection ultimately rests with the Director” seems unnecessary since the
preceding paragraph said the Director is responsible for selection of all collections.
● A few lines farther, it is unclear what “each a” refers to in “(each a “Proposed List”).”
● On page 2, in the first redline under “Guidelines for Materials Selection,” I suspect
“Additional guidelines for selection of children materials includes the following” was
intended to read “Additional guidelines for selection of children’s materials include the
following”
● Under that, I am not sure what “(visual literacy)” adds to “Illustrations.” I don’t even
understand what “visual literacy” means in this context. And, unless pictures can act, I
would think “violent pictures” are more accurately described as “pictures of violence.”
May 20, 2024, BLT agenda item comments - Jim Mosher Page 3 of 4
● It might also be noted the bullet points are not all in a consistent tense matching the
introductory partial sentence they are intended to complete. The “is” that appears in
bullets 1 and 3 should probably be replaced with “should be,” and bullet 4 rephrased to
start with “Consideration should be given to …”
● On page 3 (agenda packet page 81), “anything the contrary contained herein” was
presumably intended to read “anything to the contrary contained herein.”
As to the substance:
● The definition on page 1 of “controversial topics” as comprising “human anatomy, sexual
relationships, and/or divisive social or political issues” seems quite broad.
For example, the NBPL SirsiDynix catalog shows 33 titles on “human anatomy”in the
Children's Nonfiction collection, most of which do not look controversial.
● The final long redline paragraph on page 2 does not clarify for me how “age appropriate”
is determined.
● Without consent from the City Council, the third-party contracting requirements
introduced at the top of page 3 may exceed the BLT’s authority under the City Charter,
where, under Section 421, contracting is generally the province of the Council or its
designees.
● In the new section on “Prizes” it is unclear if the Trustees are expected to object after
receiving notice. If so, the decision regarding those objections would need to be made at
a public meeting since the Trustees have no power as individuals.
Item No. 11. FY 2024-25 Library Services Budget
On May 28, the City Council is expected to hold a joint study session with the Finance
Committee to review the proposed budget, followed by a Finance Committee recommendation
on May 30, and likely Council approval on June 11 (the City Charter requires a budget to be
adopted before the start of the next fiscal year, on July 1).
From the present item, it looks like Library Services is back in the no increases mode for most
line items, including, troublingly, library materials. Hasn’t the price of materials increased?
Doesn’t there need to be at least an inflationary adjustment to keep acquistions at their current
level?
Trustees who are interested can find the City Manager’s complete proposed budget posted in
the City’s Laserfiche document archive. It contains much more complete detail of budgeted
expenses, including by branch, starting on “page 121” (page 128 of the 258-page PDF).
Trustees may also be interested to know that for this year’s edition of the final adopted budget,
each department has been asked to provide a list of accomplishments for the past year as well
as goals and performance metrics by which they may be judged in the coming year. This were
May 20, 2024, BLT agenda item comments - Jim Mosher Page 4 of 4
reviewed as Item VI.B at the Finance Committee’s May 9 meeting. The Library Services
Department’s accomplishments, goals and metrics can be found starting on page 16 of the
24-page Attachment A. Careful readers may notice that on page 8, one of the Finance
Department’s goals for the coming year will be to “study” Library fees – that is, to check if they
cover the cost of providing the service rendered, and possibly recommending adjustments.
Item No. 18. Balboa Branch Replacement Update
As the Trustees are likely well aware, as Item 11 at its May 14, 2024, meeting, the City Council
approved the Option 1A “concept plan” for the Balboa Library/Fire Station from which the final
construction drawings will be prepared. This differs from the Option 1 seen and endorsed by the
BLT at Marina Park on January 16 only in that the Public Works storage area has been deleted
and the library floor plan slid toward Island Avenue by about half that area’s former width to
create a slightly wider open space along the library’s eastern side (the proposed walkway from
Balboa Boulevard).
It troubles me that only a single interior floor plan has ever been presented by the architect, and
I do not believe it has even been explained to the Trustees or discussed by them at any public
meeting. This contrasts with the multiple floor plans that were discussed, several in interaction
with the architect, at approximately eight public meetings of the BLT when the CdM Branch was
being developed (see the comparable Item 23 from the November 24, 2015, City Council
meeting).
It is unclear to me if any further refinement is possible.
I get that these ideas are new and uncomfortable, but we are not the first be confronted with science that
challenges long-held beliefs. When Galileo advanced the concept that the earth revolves around the sun, it
made people so uncomfortable that he was tried for heresy and sentenced to house arrest, where
remained until his death.
And there are people who will say that the American Academy of Pediatrics is wrong. But that gets us into
an entirely different discussion about what constitutes trusted sources for information for science. I am
inclined to trust our national medical organizations. I hope you do too.
Sincerely,
Vien Nguyen
Newport Beach Resident
From: Parker Cindy
Sent: May 20, 2024 2:00 PM
To: Library Admin Team <LibraryAdminTeam@newportbeachca.gov>
Subject: Book challenges - "It Feels Good to be Yourself" and "Who Are You?"
Dear Board of Library Trustees,
I am writing this letter in support of the Director’s decision to keep “It Feels Good to Be
Yourslef” by Theresa Thorn to remain in the children’s section. I am certain this is the
correct decision, and implore you to not be swayed by letter’s from parents and
grandparents who might find this information not in line with their particular beliefs.
I have reviewed the letters submitted in objection to keeping this book in the children’s
section, in addition to the Director’s response. I have also purchased and read this book
myself. I am a mother of two Newport Beach teens and I am also an emergency room
physician at a local emergency department. I care for Newport Beach teens, preteens
and children of all ages in my emergency department. I am astounded at the rates of
depression and suicidal ideation and attempts in our young children, preteens and
teens. Many of these young people struggle with gender identity, gender confusion.
Some of these kids have supportive families but sadly many do not.
I was alarmed after reading some of the comments submitted to the Director from Ms.
Hartson. Clearly she thinks that a child might be confused by understanding that some
kids may not identify as a boy or a girl, just based on their sex assigned at birth, which is
a scientific identification based on genitalia present at birth, and thereby assumed
genetics. This book is not to clarify to children about genetalia or chromosomal
differences between the sexes. This is a book about gender identity, which is a totally
different subject. Gender identity is how a person feels they should identify, not about
genetics or genetalia. There is absolutely nothing in this book that is “disgusting” as Ms.
Hartson suggested. This book only explains that a child can be a boy, a girl, neither or
both if they feel that is what they should be. This is a book that clearly aims to give
children self confidence to be who they want to be. Self confidence is consistently
lacking in all of my young patients with gender identity questions who I see for
depression and suicidal ideation. These children are often bullied by peers, afraid to
have honest, open conversations with their parents or siblings. This book is uplifting,
simple, happy.
I read this book and simply could not understand how any good parent could object to
their 5-8 year old reading this book. I do not understand the fear that parents like Ms.
Hartson are consumed with when reviewing this book. I would like to put their collective
minds at ease by assuring them that by reading this bright book, their children will not
become trans. Their children very well might come to them with curiosity and questions.
I urge these parents to have thoughtful, considerate, kind discussions with their
children, in the hope that maybe their children may not end up in my emergency
department, suicidal and fearful of having an honest conversation with their parents
because they know that their parents truly fear (and maybe even hate) people with
gender identies that differ from their sex assigned at birth.
This book does not discuss genitalia, sex change operations, having sex, taking
hormones. This book was not put in the library by the “liberal left.” It is not a political
book at all. It is just a simple book that encourages kids to be who they want to be. That
is it. It is such a basic thing to educate our young children and to teach them to
be curious, ask questions, learn tolerance and kindness.
Please do not remove this book. Keep it where it can be found and read by any
child who has questions. You very well might be saving lives by just letting kids
read this book.
I was going to also discuss “Who are You? A Kid’s Guide to Gender Identity” but I feel
that I have already taken up enough of your time. I humbly ask that you keep this book in
the children’s section also, as it is another wonderful book.
Thank you for your time,
Cindy C. Parker
Not only do I wish my family had read books about gender diversity when my kids were young, I wish
other kids read them too. My child was a camp counselor last summer. They were asked over and
over by the kids at the camp, are you a boy or a girl? These kids meant no harm by asking that
question, but my child is non-binary. They have an X on their drivers license and birth certificate, and
they are legally recognized as non-binary. I wish other kids understood that there is gender diversity
in the world so my child did not have to be the first to tell them and to have to explain who they are
to everyone who asked.
I cannot believe that in America where we have enjoyed - and have maybe even taken for granted -
the benefit of the First Amendment since 1791 I have to ask this of you: please do not remove ANY
books from the library. Also, please keep LGBTQ+ children’s books (like It Feels Good to Be
Yourself) in the children’s section with the other books. Separating these books from the rest of
the collection sends a message that these topics are shameful and that, by extension, LGBTQ
people are shameful. Parents and children should have access to books that celebrate diversity. I
understand that some families will not choose to read books about LGBTQ+ characters, and that is
their freedom. However, my family and all families should have the freedom to read whatever they
want. Knowledge is power, and it promotes tolerance and justice. Removing LGBTQ+ books from
libraries will not erase LGBTQ+ people from our world, but it feels like that is what this library is
trying to do.
From the proud mother of a trans child,
Jaime Shean
From: Dianne Wells
Sent: May 20, 2024 9:42 AM
To: Library Board of Trustees <libraryboard@newportbeachca.gov>
Subject: Book appeal: It Feels Good to be Yourself
Dear Chair Watkins and Trustees Larson, Kramer, Castro, and Rief:
I am requesting the Library Board to please remove the book, It Feels Good to Be
Yourself, from the Children's Collection because it is not safe for children.
The book, It Feels Good to Be Yourself, recommended for children, ages 5-8,
lists Helpful Resources. One of those resources is The Trevor Project, which
sponsors TrevorSpace, an online chat forum for children to talk with adults about their gender confusion. In this chat forum, children can talk with strangers without their
parents knowing. Throughout its Terms and Conditions of TrevorSpace, there is no
mention that a user or child must receive parental approval to use its platform.
Why are we hosting this book in our Children's Collection when it supports
organizations that promote secrecy between a child and his or her parents?
Another Term and Condition listed by TrevorSpace is that a user must agree that they
are not a registered sex offender. How does TrevorSpace make sure that registered
sex offenders are not accessing its platform? TrevorSpace is not a safe place for
children. It looks like a dangerous place for children, attracting sexual predators and
criminal activity. The Trevor Project, listed as a resource in the book, It Feels Good to
Be Yourself supports this dangerous chat forum.
It is reckless for our library to host the book, It Feels Good To Be Yourself, in our
Children's Collection. I urge the Library Board to protect our children and remove this
book from our Children's Collection.
Thank you.
Sincerely,
Dianne Wells
Newport Beach
https://www.trevorspace.org/?gad_source=1 &gclid=Cj0KCQjw6auyBhDzARlsALlo6v
xBV21 Pq NZvrl Dt5cZSmE9QdsKma YYNTcLOjkj4A4RSS7jd9 _rZH4aAslJ EAL w _ wcB
The books on the agenda for tomorrow are specific to topics on LGBTQIA+.
Removing books that share stories and explain gender identity is asking for further
ignorance and hate that LGBTQ families and people are not welcome and accepted
here. It is one thing for the board to disagree with the LGBTQ movement, but it is
another when the board actively shows that their values trump those of LGBTQ
families such that genderqueer narratives are not worth listening to. Diversity implies
that people around in the community are different. Families are different from eachother, and children grow up believing in different values from their parents. Speaking
from a student experience, even as a child, once I was aware of other opinions and
perspectives from my parents, I wanted to learn more. I wanted to explore all
narratives so I could decide for myself what to believe in. And that requires a worldview, from hearing the different and difficult stories. I am not a copy of my parents,
nor are the children of Newport Beach. Though my parents wouldn't go to the lengths
I do to protect books in libraries, I know that they support me. They support the fact
that I am educated beyond what I learn at home, and that world knowledge issomething to be proud of, not something to fear for any parent. “Protecting the
innocence of children” only ensures a harsh reality check -- because someday, they
will. No parent crusade could fully protect their children from education, whether that
is in life experience, career, or even higher education. The question is when thereality check happens -- whether or not children are a whole lot older and a whole lot
more ignorant. I ask this board, to trust in the librarians to do the jobs they are trained and paid for. I
ask the board to believe that librarians will protect children while ensuring all
narratives are heard and accounted for in the community. And sometimes, the most
marginalized communities – such as LGBTQ – need the affirmation that they areheard, that their experiences are valid and affect new generations. Whether or not
such stories are agreed upon by the Board, at least they are there, available in
libraries catering to everyone and anyone.
Thank you for your time,
Elisa Yan
--
Elisa Yan