The Spanish Fort Public Library Board will review an explicit teen sex instructional book and decide whether to keep it in the teen section, move it to the adult section or remove it.
The board's regular meeting will be at 3 p.m. Monday at the Spanish Fort Community Center.
The library removed "Let's Talk About It: The Teen's Guide to Sex, Relationships, and Being a Human" after an 1819 News story exposed graphic images and content made available to teens ages 13–17 last month.
Mayor Michael McMillan said the book was removed for review when the library received complaints.
"Per our policy, when we get a complaint or an issue with a book, we will pull it from circulation until the library board has an opportunity to meet to review," McMillan explained.
McMillan stated that while he believes the book should be removed, he must allow the board to decide.
"I'm going to talk personally here," the mayor told 1819 News. "I personally don't think that book has a place in our library, but I'm not going to have a vote in that matter, and we'll see where the library board takes us."
The library board, appointed by the city council, is also responsible for hiring the library director. Director Shanavia Reed has not publicly addressed concerns about the book.
The mayor said board members were informed of the book ahead of the meeting.
If the board decides to keep the book in the teen section, the library risks losing state funding.
The library board members are chairman Robert Curtis Smith, Jr., Carl L. Gustafson, Jr., Shane M. Perry, Jr., Councilman Stephen J. Winn and Mary W. Brabner.
To connect with the author of this story or to comment, email erica.thomas@1819news.com.
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