The Orange Beach Public Library has made moves to protect children and teens from books some consider inappropriate for juveniles.
Mayor Tony Kennon said books considered inappropriate, sexual or political were moved to a new "age-appropriate" level. Parents must sign a permission slip for children to go into that section.
“We’re not going to allow children to come across any of this ridiculously perverted nonsense and political nonsense,” Kennon told 1819 News. “Anybody that wants to sexualize grade-age kids is a pervert themselves. I don’t know how that could be controversial, this is just common sense.”
Kennon said the City of Orange Beach has a history of protecting children from obscene material during his administration. When the City passed the “vulgarity ordinance” nearly 10 years ago, Kennon said he received hate messages from all over because merchants were no longer allowed to expose children to vulgar merchandise.
“This is basically the same guidelines for the library,” he said. “For the most part, our librarian and staff understand what ‘family-friendly’ is and they do their part in not compromising that brand.”
Kennon said the library looked into their existing policies and improved them after a group of concerned mothers came forward.
“I believe the vast majority of Orange Beach parents and residents understand that family-friendly means traditional, conservative values,” Kennon said. “It’s old school because old school works.”
During a conversation with 1819 News, Kennon said he is old school and holds true to his conservative values. Kennon said he fully expects to be attacked for standing for his beliefs. However, he added he is happy to represent the people of Orange Beach as long as they’ll have him.
“At the point of time that our city changes and 50% of our city becomes liberal, then I am absolutely not the mayor for them,” he advised.
To connect with the author of this story or to comment, email erica.thomas@1819news.com.
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