Skip to main content

The push to ban books in Texas schools spreads to public libraries

Some Texas residents are asking for greater say in what titles appear on public library shelves.

Books on shelves at the Llano Public Library on Dec. 14, 2021. The Commissioners Court for Llano County voted to close the public library to conduct "inventory and catalog" their books after community pushback related to books that some deemed offensive. The pushback also led to a decision to immediately shut down an online library of thousands of books out of fears that children could access material not appropriate for children.

The rise in public library book complaints

Terry Schroth speaks against the proposal to close the library to catalog and inventory books on Dec. 14, 2021. The Commissioners Court for Llano County voted to close the public library to conduct "inventory and catalog" their books after community pushback related to books that some deemed offensive. The pushback also led to a decision to immediately shut down an online library of thousands of books out of fears that children could access material not appropriate for children.

How the process works and why it’s getting blowback

Labels on certain books at the Llano Public Library on Dec. 14, 2021 in Llano. The Commissioners Court for Llano County voted to close the public library to conduct "inventory and catalog" their books after community pushback related to books that some deemed offensive. The pushback also led to a decision to immediately shut down an online library of thousands of books out of fears that children could access material not appropriate for children.
A sign explains the labels of certain books at the Llano Public Library on Dec. 14, 2021. The Commissioners Court for Llano County voted to close the public library to conduct "inventory and catalog" their books after community pushback related to books that some deemed offensive. The pushback also led to a decision to immediately shut down an online library of thousands of books out of fears that children could access material not appropriate for children.
Cars pass by the the Llano County Courthouse in Llano on Monday, Dec. 14, 2021. The Commissioners Court for Llano County voted to close the public library to "inventory and catalog" their books after community pushback related to books that some deemed offensive. The pushback also led to a decision to immediately shut down an online library of thousands of books out of fears that children could access material not appropriate for children. Sergio Flores for The Texas Tribune

More changes for libraries? 

Wait! We need your help.

DONATE NOW

Explore related story topics

Politics Public education State government Matt Krause