Sanibel Mayor Remains Silent on Kid Transgender Books in Public Library, Residents Want Her Opinion

July 21, 2022 Updated 2:21 P.M. ET

SANIBEL (FLV) – Sanibel Mayor Holly Smith remained silent Wednesday when Florida’s Voice asked her what she thought about kid transgender books being found in the children’s section at the Sanibel Public Library.

Florida’s Voice first reported on the outrage parents felt to find the books in the kid’s section. The books tell stories of young children choosing whether they want to be a boy or a girl. Since the reporting, residents for and against the books packed the Sanibel Public Library District Board of Directors meeting as board members consider policy changes.

While Sanibel residents do pay taxes for the library, the Sanibel Public Library is an independent special district and is not affiliated with the City of Sanibel. However, several Sanibel residents still want to know the mayor’s thoughts on the issue.

In June, the city manager said the Mayor’s office had no comment because the city was not affiliated with the library. Florida’s Voice asked the mayor her thoughts on the books after the Patriot Talk Show featuring candidates Wednesday evening, but she did not answer the question.

REPORTER: “I just want your thoughts on the transgender books being in front of toddlers.”

MAYOR: “I’m thinking it was so great to see those candidates. Don’t you?”

REPORTER: “It definitely was. But can you share your opinion?”

MAYOR: “The candidates, I think they were out of the park.”

“I want to know the views and the values of our political leaders on the issues that affect us. And saying no comment is, is kind of an easy and safe political tactic. But it tells me that politics are more important to them than their constituents,” said Pam Salvo who has owned property on the island since 2017.

Jude Sincoskie has been outspoken since her 6-year-old daughter grabbed a book at the Sanibel library labeled “When Aidan Became a Brother.” The book details a young child named Aidan, a girl, deciding to become a boy because she “didn’t feel like any kind of girl.” She has since launched a campaign to serve as a library board member.

“As a parent of school age children and a candidate for the Sanibel Public Library District Board of Directors, I am disappointed that the Mayor of Sanibel has not voiced her opinion on this incredibly important, pervasive issue that concerns many of us in the community,” Sincoskie said.

“Although the Sanibel Library is a separate taxing district, and the Mayor has no authority, it is vital that we know where she stands, especially given that a fellow city council member wrote an op-ed for a local publication. I welcome her input as an experienced representative of the residents of Sanibel,” Sincoskie said.

Florida’s Voice asked Sanibel residents if the mayor’s opinion is important even though she does not have control over the library.

“Because we’re a close-knit community. She’s our mayor. She’s been on council for a few years now. To me, it’s important to know where someone’s values are to somewhat know who they are when they are a public figure,” Sanibel resident Kelly Tyrrell said.

Another resident told Florida’s Voice they thought the mayor should stay focused on city issues.

While the Sanibel mayor has remained silent, Sanibel Councilmember Dr. Scott Crater wrote an op-ed supporting the books talking about gender identity geared towards kids.

“Recently books available to the public at the Sanibel library have come under attack,” Crater said.

“As a the parent of a gay young adult, whom I love dearly, and of whom I am immensely proud, I can tell you that she didn’t ‘become gay’ because of a book she read in the library.”

Florida’s Voice spoke with Sanibel Public Library District Executive Director Margaret Mohundro in June who is ultimately responsible for selecting materials. 

“Our goal as the public library for everyone is to, as best we can and every public library can, meet the interests of the wide variety of library patrons and library users that we have,” Mohundro said. 

When asked about parent concerns regarding transgender content in the children’s section, Mohundro referred to the library’s policy.

“Responsibility for Library materials use by minors rests with their parents or guardians,” the policy states. “Selection of adult material will not be restricted by the possibility that these materials may come into the possession of minors.” 

At the library’s board meeting, Board Chair Melanie Congress did not say whether she thought the books were appropriate. Congress referred to her opening statements saying the library is in “unchartered territory” when it comes to navigating the issue. Congress said the board is balancing what is proper, parental rights, and freedom of information.