The fight over Kentucky’s most contentious library may finally be reaching a turning point. For years, the Daviess County Public Library board has come under fire for allowing sexually explicit and pornographic books in the children’s section—materials many parents say undermine both innocence and community standards. Taxpayer-funded institutions should serve families, not expose children to pornographic content and age-inappropriate messages. With the appointment of a new board member, there is hope for greater balance, accountability, and common sense. Libraries ought to be safe spaces where kids learn, dream, and grow in knowledge. They shouldn’t be exposed to sexually explicit images and forced to navigate harmful ideologies. Daviess County is moving in a direction of restoring trust and reaffirming the duty to protect children.
Prior to departing, former board chair, Susan Gesser spearheaded changes to “Request for Reconsideration” policy. Among other things, no group or individual can request reconsideration of more than 2 books in a 12-month period. Once a book is “reconsidered” it may not be reconsidered for 18 months. Before we can get the obscene books out of the kids’ section of the library, that policy must change. In her comments before Fiscal Court, the pro-porn spokeswoman said, “she’s afraid the new board will change policy, as if to tell the community what they intend to slander the new board with next. I thank you for your coverage of this issue. And though we have indeed turned a corner, it’s far from over.