The presentation was modest, featuring a few picture books on a bookcase. These included titles such as the ABCs of a Pride parade, biographies of the gay World War II codebreaker Alan Turing and 50 LGBTQ+ people who made history, the sex education manual “It’s Perfectly Normal,” a retelling of the Stonewall riot, and “My Shadow Is Pink,” in which a young boy explores his gender identity. These books were meant to educate and inform young readers about diversity, history, and identity.
However, Fresno County Supervisor Steve Brandau became concerned after hearing a complaint from a constituent about the display. The complaint suggested that Clovis librarians had created a graphic Pride Month display in the children’s section. Brandau decided to visit the library and see for himself. He found the material inappropriate for children without parental involvement, believing it was not suitable to be placed alongside books about skunks and pirates. “I don’t like a kid going in there and seeing ‘I can choose to be a boy or girl,’” Brandau said, emphasizing that the content did not seem age-appropriate.
After examining the books, Brandau said he left the library in June 2023 “horrified” by what he believed were sexually explicit images and mature topics unsuitable for young readers. He started reaching out to officials in other states like South Carolina, Kentucky, and Texas, where controversies over library books have become common, to learn how they handle such issues. In November, Brandau spearheaded the creation of one of California’s first citizen review committees for library books in Fresno County. This committee could soon decide whether to relocate materials with “sexual references” and “gender-identity content” to a restricted area, accessible only with parental permission.
The committee, which has yet to be formed, has already become a flashpoint for debates over parental rights, censorship, the politicization of libraries, and the potential marginalization of LGBTQ people. Supporters of the committee insist their concern is with sexual content rather than LGBTQ themes and that they do not wish to ban books outright. Instead, they argue for a measured approach to ensure age-appropriate content for children.
Tracy Bohren, a queer mother of two from Clovis, has been vocal against the committee. She rallied local LGBTQ residents, arguing that opponents of books about gay and transgender people are projecting their biases and sexualizing material meant to help children understand the world. Bohren stresses the importance of library books about marginalized groups for LGBTQ kids who may not have supportive home environments and need affirmation of their worth and identity. “Somehow in the ‘we need to protect kids’ platform that they have stated, trans kids, LGBTQ kids, have not been considered part of that population that they need to protect,” Bohren said.
This issue has added another layer to the growing tension between conservative regions of California and the state’s liberal government over values and local control. Assemblymember Al Muratsuchi, a Torrance Democrat, responded with Assembly Bill 1825. This proposed legislation aims to prevent book review committees from limiting access to library materials. It would establish guidelines for book selection and a process for community objections, but prohibit banning books based on their content regarding race or sexuality. Muratsuchi’s bill clarifies that library material can include non-obscene sexual content and leaves the display decisions to librarians, without restricting minors’ access to these books.
Muratsuchi emphasized the role of public libraries in providing diverse perspectives and support for all Americans, including teens exploring gender identity issues. “Teens exploring gender identity issues absolutely should have access to books that speak to their experiences and that may provide support or guidance,” he told CalMatters. His proposal has garnered support from the California Library Association, with members like Peter Coyl, director and CEO of the Sacramento Public Library, advocating for the professional discretion of librarians. Coyl asserts that libraries aim to provide information, not pornography, and that materials should be available to serve the entire community, including same-gender families and questioning children. “Not every book is meant for every reader,” Coyl said. “You can’t then take your belief about what’s right for your child and apply it to everyone else.”
The bill has moved smoothly through Senate committees and received overwhelming approval in the Assembly in May. It must pass the Legislature by the end of August to reach the governor’s desk. If signed into law, it could face legal challenges from defenders of library book review committees who argue it limits parents’ ability to protect their children from adult material. Diane Pearce, a Clovis city councilmember, expressed concern that the state is undermining parental empowerment by taking over decisions about children’s exposure to certain materials. She argued, “We want to empower our parents in this situation, and the state is telling us that they can do it better than we can.”
In the meantime, the debate continues as Brandau maintains that his proposal, known as the Parents Matter Act, is misunderstood. He asserts that no books will be banned; instead, the committee will simply move certain materials to a restricted section, allowing parents to access them if they choose. Brandau emphasized that his policy does not target any specific lifestyle but aims to establish age-appropriate content standards. “I’m not against this material. I’m against it at the wrong age,” he said.
The library book review committee in Fresno County has yet to be launched, despite the application deadline passing in April. The selection process for committee members is still ongoing, with Brandau reviewing over 40 applications. The Clovis library, awaiting direction from the committee, created a new Pride display in June, featuring a variety of books and a banner with the slogan “Love is Love.” Applicants for the committee, such as John Gerardi, advocate for moving books they deem inappropriate for young children. Others, like Jamie Coffman, seek to dismantle the committee, believing that monitoring children’s reading should be a parental responsibility and that librarians’ professional judgment should be trusted. The ongoing debate highlights the complexities of balancing community standards, parental rights, and the need for diverse representation in public libraries.
Submit a letter of support for the passage of AB 1825.
