In a decision that underscores the ongoing debate over children’s literature, the Randolph County Public Library has opted to keep “Call Me Max,” a children’s book about a transgender boy, on its shelves. This decision follows a community member’s request to remove or relocate the book.
“Call Me Max” is a standout in the library’s collection of nearly 20,000 children’s books, being the sole book addressing transgender identity. The library board’s recent meeting, which typically sees low attendance, was notably crowded as community members gathered to voice their opinions on the book’s placement.
Dorris Welborne, who initially filed the complaint, recounted her experience at the meeting, explaining that she had borrowed the book for her grandchild without realizing its content. “It just bothered me as a grandmother, because I would not want any child to get this that was able to read, and read it on their own,” Welborne expressed, urging the board to consider removing or relocating the book.
The discussion drew nearly 30 speakers, split on whether the book was appropriate for the children’s section. Jonathan Burris remarked, “The placement of this book in the children’s room exposes the wrong material to the wrong age group and on the wrong developmental appropriateness.” Meanwhile, Lorraine Ridge countered, “You have the choice not to check out that book, but you do not have the right to make that choice for me or anyone else.”
Other voices included Clarice Johnson, who stated, “Do not make it available. Do not push that agenda. It is wrong,” while Clyde Foust Jr. offered a message of inclusivity: “To anyone out there that is transgender, it is OK to be transgender in Randolph County.”
After a thorough two-hour debate, the board voted 5-2 in favor of keeping the book in the children’s section. Some board members expressed concerns that moving the book or changing its labeling might lead to further contentious decisions in the future. They emphasized the responsibility of adults to oversee the selection of books that children check out from the library.
