Dale County Commissioner Adam Enfinger made official requests Tuesday to remove two books from the young adult section of the Ozark Dale County Library.
Enfinger pointed out he is not asking to ban the books but simply move them to the adult section.
“The young adult section of the library is designated for use by library patrons at the age of 12 years old,” Enfinger explained. “I am not requesting that any book be banned. I am only requesting that these two books be reassigned into the adult section of the library due to their graphic sexual content.”
In the written requests, Enfinger wrote examples of inappropriate material, including depictions of group sex, forced oral sex and sexual assaults that he spotted in “The Mirror Season” and “Only Mostly Devastated.” There were also references to bestiality in “Only Mostly Devastated.”
Enfinger provided photos of the requests he made that required him to write excerpts from the books.
*****WARNING: EXPLICIT CONTENT*****
“Constituents have provided me with book titles that are currently housed in the section of the library designated for twelve-year-olds that they find questionable,” he continued. “I am doing my best to research these books as quickly as possible and these are the first two I have had the opportunity to look into. To say I am appalled that this material is labeled as appropriate for 12- and 13-year-old children is an understatement. After reading this content, I don’t believe that anyone would think these are books for kids. It is time to move them and any other book with content like this to the adult section of the library.”
While he appreciates the right of parents and adults to check out these books, he said he will continue to fight to protect children by reviewing more books.
“If you want to read this or have your family members read this, that is your right as an adult,” Enfinger said. “However, the library has a responsibility to ensure that a section labeled for children at the young age of 12 should have books that are appropriate for that age group. Depictions of rapes and references to bestiality certainly should not be found there.”
The Ozark Dale County Library already reviewed some young adult LGBTQ+ books after a complaint from Ozark Mayor Mark Blankenship. The books were returned to the shelves, but the library is now planning a community meeting to hear from the public and discuss what actions will be taken in the future.
The meeting will be Wednesday, August 30, at 10 a.m. The meeting will be streamed live on Facebook.
The library has set up a link for citizens to submit public comments and will read them during the meeting for those unable to attend. Comments are limited to three minutes.
To connect with the author of this story or to comment, email erica.thomas@1819news.com.
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