Public Library Fights to Stay Public: It's More Than Just Books! 🏦
Hello, my friends! This time, Library Hunter is having an in-depth conversation with Carol Daus, a longtime volunteer at the Friends of the Huntington Beach Public Library. We're exploring a heated issue surrounding this popular, vibrant space in the beautiful coastal community.
For my deep-dive into the issue, check out here • Library Privatization Debate: Community Vo...
For my self-guided visit to this beautiful library, check it out here • Hidden Library Oasis in Huntington Beach +...
0:00 A clip from "Last Week Tonight" show
0:24 HB residents' comments during Council Meeting
1:13 Inside the Library with Carol Daus
11:13 Let's talk! What is going on?
16:32 Guidelines of Book Censorship
26:15 Privatization: Outsourcing to a For-profit control
38:43 What about our librarians?
46:32 Books challenged due to Minority theme (LGBTQ+)
56:51 Book Review Committee
1:05:52 Volunteers and Donations to the Library
1:11:13 Afterword
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** Some background information for you:
Located in Huntington Beach, California, USA, the Huntington Beach Public Library (HBPL) has received several awards and accolades over the years for its services, programs, and facilities. These awards recognize the library's commitment to excellence and its impact on the community.
Starting in 2023, Huntington Beach City Council members are considering turning library management over to a private company and establishing an ambiguous review process for which books are allowed to hit the shelves.
The majority of HB residents who spoke during public comment opposed both proposals. Tensions rose as the council nearly ejected several individuals from the room for chanting "Shame!" when the council majority approved the move and rejected the request for a vote of the people."
** Videos of the HB City Council Meeting are available on the Official YouTube channel: City of Huntington Beach:
https://www.youtube.com/live/4qHR_Z3I...
Is it reall a "Book Ban"?
It could be a confusing word, since the definition varies in different cities and areas. In this specific case of Huntington Beach, quote from Carol - "a 21-member review board (with no background in library science) has "final" and "non-appealable" decision-making authority to determine whether our public library will acquire books for those 17 and under. "
Check out this ordinance, HB 4318: https://huntingtonbeach.legistar.com/...
#publiclibrary #bannedbooks #huntingtonbeach #outsourcing #privatization #privatisation
** Contact info:
Friends of the Huntington Beach Public Library
Email: [email protected]
Website: https://fotlhb.com/
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