Broward County promotes ‘book sanctuaries’ for access to books challenged in schools
BROWARD COUNTY, Fla. (FLV) – Broward County Library is promoting “Book Sanctuaries” for access to books that have been challenged or removed from Florida schools.
Florida’s Voice found multiple titles on the library’s list that have been removed, or are currently under review, in Broward County schools due to sexual content or age appropriateness.
Additionally, Broward County will be hosting special “Book Sanctuary events” at libraries throughout the year featuring banned and challenged material, according to the press release.
Books such as, “The Bluest Eye,” “I am Jazz,” and “Let’s Talk About It” are on Moms for Liberty’s list of books that have been removed or are being evaluated in Broward County schools.
A spokesperson for the library said sanctuary displays are in adult areas of the library and it is the responsibility of every parent or guardian to monitor and guide their children through the content their child consumes at the public library.
One book in the sanctuary, “Let’s Talk About It” by Erika Moen, teaches about masturbation, pornography and other sexual content.
It can currently be found at over 15 different locations and on the Book Sanctuary at the South Regional/Broward College Library and Sunrise Dan Pearl Branch.
Another picture book, “I am Jazz” by Jessica Herthel, presents the story of a transgender child who traces her early awareness that she is a girl in spite of male anatomy and the acceptance she finds through a wise doctor who explains her natural transgender status.
The move comes at a time when Gov. Ron DeSantis has been outspokenly against pornographic and sexually inappropriate books in schools.
Florida Republicans approved legislation making it easier for parents to challenge books in classrooms.
According to the library, book sanctuaries are designated areas where “endangered stories will be protected and made accessible for exploration or check out.”
Broward County Library also released limited edition “I Read Banned Books” library cards, along with free “I Read Banned Books” buttons at all locations.
The library also features a virtual book sanctuary on the landing page of the library catalog “to introduce and offer users access to books that have been challenged or banned in our state.”
“As Director of Broward County Library, a vital part of my mission is to ensure that the freedom to read is not compromised,” Director of Broward County Library Allison Grubbs said in a previous press release.
“The right to think, speak and learn freely are foundational values in our democracy and in our libraries,” Grubbs said.
Broward County Library’s annual budget is $80,564,044, and it receives $1,216,855 of that amount from the state, according to the library’s spokesperson.
