Caro Library's Fight for Intellectual Freedom

ORGANIZER: Mary Penn Ruthko

If you ever went to a play in Caro or attended an event at the former arts center, we’ve likely met. The arts and literature (and thus libraries) have been the focus of my work and social life outside my home in Caro, where I have lived for nearly 45 years. I got my first library card at Indianfields Public Library (now Caro Area District Library). Also, I’ve paid taxes here the entirety of my adult life.

My love of libraries strengthened over time, leading to 14 years in administration at a public library system. That experience gave me a deeper understanding of what libraries do and don’t do, and what is considered normal or industry standard. I’ve worked with some wonderful librarians and library board members across the region, so I am confident in my claim that our library staff and board are doing an INCREDIBLE JOB!

That said, I am disheartened that our beloved library staff and board members have become the latest target of modern culture war attacks on our 1st Amendment rights and intellectual freedom. A local parent is leading the charge to attempt to recall library board members over the presence of 3 books in the children and teen sections. The recall ballot language was approved by the Tuscola County Elections Committee (don't contact them - they did their job in good faith).

THE NEED (TLDR)

Petition language to collect signatures for a November ballot recall against Caro Area District Library Board members Stacy Crutchfield and Jordyn Nordstrom was approved on June 22, 2023. Stacy and Jordyn want to appeal the decision because if the recall does make it to the November ballot, the LIBRARY PAYS THE ELECTION FEE to the tune of $5,000-6,000. They care about the library and don’t want to see our tax money needlessly wasted!

I am asking the community to help raise the estimated $2,500 lawyer and filing fees for their Appeal of Clarity/Factual Determinations, which are due to Circuit Court on Friday, June 30, 2023.

Any additional or unused funds will be donated to the library to help cover ongoing legal expenses related to this matter.

WHAT'S THIS ALL ABOUT?

Caro Area District Library became a target of 1st Amendment and intellectual freedom challenges in January 2023 when a patron challenged the adult section book, "Gender Queer: A Memoir" by Maia Kobabe. The request to remove the book from the library escalated to a board vote at their March meeting. Passionate speeches were given by book supporters and book challengers. Ultimately, the board voted unanimously to keep the book under the advice of the library's lawyer, who was present. She stated that removing any book from the library collection under these circumstances is a 1st Amendment violation.

In April, a group led by local parent Stephanie Spencer moved the goal post to target the following children's and teen sexual development books:

They claim the books are pornographic and anyone who thinks they are ok for children and teens to read are "pedophliles," "groomers," and "perverts." Because they cannot have the books banned, the group wants them removed from the children's/teen sections and placed in the adult section, so "parents can choose" whether their children can read them. Two of the titles have been on Caro library shelves for up to 10 years, with ZERO complaints until now.

The problem is they refuse to fill out the Request for Reconsideration of Library Materials form because they claim it is only used to "remove" a book and they want them "moved" (not true). That the library wants to follow its own policy is considered a tactic to use the 1st Amendment argument to shut them down. Instead, Stephanie interpreted the library policy regarding the board's role to deal with "petitions, suggestions, and complaints which are presented in writing by members of the public" (p. 59) and came to a board meeting with a paper petition signed by 400 people (about 10% of the district voting population - definitely not even close to a majority). She demanded they move the books to the adult section. Policies exist for a reason and the Request for Further Consideration of Library Materials form (see it here on page 61) IS the petiton in writing for any book challenge.

So, until the policy is followed, the board can't act on anything. Boards have to follow their own rules. It's that simple. However, Stephanie wants the board recalled for inaction on her issue. On June 22, 2023 her second attempt to have recall language deemed clear and factual was accepted in a 2-1 vote of the Elections Committee (again, they did their job so don't contact the committee).

In the meantime...

Both staff and board are pummeled by horrible names, threats, and online bullying (see the comment section on every single library Facebook post for the last several months). Staff and board have been called "pedophiles", "groomers," and "perverts," and have been accused of actively distributing pornography to children. The group is also punishing the library by attempting to wear down the director with 3-4 FOIA requests per week. Stephanie created "Watchdogs Eyes on Caro Library" Facebook page, and has done multiple TV, newspaper, and web interviews. A local pastor was brought in to perform a revival-style fire and brimstone sermon at the April meeting when the "petition" was handed to the board. That was recorded and shared with like-minded political figures and content creators, resulting in additional threats to staff and board.

IS THERE REALLY PORN AT THE LIBRARY?

NO, NO WAY, NOT EVEN POSSIBLY. The library can’t buy porn from any of their industry book suppliers and publishers. None of the books in question are porn or illegal in any way. You don't have to agree with the content. There are TONS of books at the library that contain images, ideologies, political leanings, etc. that I VEHEMENTLY disagree with. But a PUBLIC library with a balanced collection will always have at least something you don't like. That's what I love about libraries - that you can walk in and find thousands of ideas that will either reaffirm or challenge what you believe. It's beautiful and it's healthy and it's the epitome of fREADom.

YOUR DONATION'S IMPACT

FURTHER QUESTIONS

Please contact Caro Area District Library. You can also come to the July 10, 2023 board meeting to show your support. It will take place at the Tuscola Technology Center at 1401 Cleaver Rd in Caro. Thank you!