Randolph County Debates Future of Library’s Governance Over Controversial Book Decision
A pivotal public hearing is scheduled for Monday evening as the Randolph County Board of Commissioners deliberates over the future of the local library’s board of trustees. This session follows a significant decision made two months prior, when the trustees opted to retain a controversial picture book, “Call Me Max,” about a transgender boy, within the children’s section.
The trustees’ choice has sparked considerable debate and drawn intense scrutiny from the local community. The December meeting saw a turnout of residents, many of whom expressed solidarity with the library’s decision and support for transgender youth in the area.
“Think about what we’re saying to those children when we say that we’re going to fire the people that allowed your book to stay in our library,” expressed community member Clyde Foust Jr., highlighting the sentiment of many attendees.
On the opposing side, Commissioner Lester Rivenbark stressed that the contention was not about the book’s presence in the library but its placement. “All that was asked is for it to be an appropriate area, not to elementary school children,” Rivenbark emphasized.
However, Tami Hinshaw, a long-serving member of the Library Board of Trustees, interprets the situation differently. “Well, restricting books, to me, is censorship,” she remarked. Hinshaw, who has served on the board for 14 years, may face removal due to her support for keeping the book accessible.
Despite potential personal consequences, Hinshaw voiced greater concern over the library’s future and its funding, which is controlled by the commissioners. “I think they have a job to do, but I don’t support them doing something for their own political power,” she commented.
The public hearing invites residents to voice their opinions. Interested speakers must register between 5 and 6 p.m., with the opportunity to address the commissioners for three minutes each, drawn randomly for a total speaking time of two hours.
Following the public input, the commissioners intend to “take action as they see fit,” potentially altering the library’s governance in response to the ongoing controversy.
