Board of Supervisors address concerns surrounding library materials
For several months, we have listened to community concerns on opposing sides of questions surrounding materials in our Botetourt County libraries. We have investigated the library collection, sought legal counsel, and explored all avenues to respond to citizens’ varied opinions.
After careful consideration and thorough analysis, we have concluded that Botetourt County Library’s existing collection policies and practices are more than satisfactory. We found no evidence of a “liberal agenda,” pornographic or obscene materials, or materials that could be deemed “harmful to minors” under the law.
On the contrary, we discovered that from 2020-2022, Botetourt community-driven demand for LGBTQ subjects increased by 427%. Even after staff efforts to accommodate the spike in demand, LGBTQ materials comprise only .04% of the children’s collection, compared with .51% of Christian materials. In the entire Botetourt collection, LGBTQ subjects make up .29%, compared with 19x that in Christian titles. Botetourt libraries have half the percentage of LGBTQ titles and a higher percentage of Christian titles than any other library in our consortium. These facts and many more demonstrate that Library Director Julie Phillips and her staff have been exceptionally responsive and thoughtful in meeting the varied and evolving needs of our Botetourt citizens.
On July 31, 2023, we made our final decision regarding this issue. In a unanimous resolution, we expressed our full support of the protection of citizens’ First Amendment and parental rights in Botetourt County libraries, including:
- Protecting citizens’ right to read and access information freely and to form their own opinions.
- Defending parental rights to choose content that is suitable for their own families and children, but not to determine what is appropriate for other families and their children.
- Affirming the Botetourt County Library’s existing policies and practices to protect minors by requiring minors under the age of 13 to be accompanied by a parent or responsible adult, and by providing for collection transparency and parental/guardian access and control in minors’ use of library materials, services, resources, and events.
- Supporting the Botetourt County Library’s existing policies and procedures guiding the selection and deselection of materials reflecting the needs and interests of the community, without discrimination against or preference for specific individuals, groups, or viewpoints.
- Affirming the Botetourt County Library’s vital role in protecting citizens’ constitutional and parental rights and enabling all citizens to understand and navigate a complex world.
On July 17, we unanimously affirmed our full support for Library Director Julie Phillips and her staff. We again reiterate that we will not tolerate any level of abuse or slander directed toward any county employees for carrying out the duties they are charged to do. For more information, please visit www.BoCoFacts4U.info.
Supervisors Mac Scothorn, Amy White, Steve Clinton, Billy Martin, Dick Bailey
UPCOMING LIBRARY EVENTS
Improv with Mill Mountain Theatre
Thu, Aug 17, 4pm, Fincastle Library
Improv is acting and reacting in the moment. Learn how to collaborate and make confident choices. Recommended for tweens/teens.
Self-Defense Class
Thu, Aug 17, 5-7pm, Buchanan Bujinkan Dojo (beside Buchanan Library)
Botetourt Sheriff’s Deputy and martial arts instructor Joseph Rae will teach situational awareness and basic self-defense techniques. Wear comfortable clothing/shoes and bring water. Ages 14+; participants under age 18 must be accompanied by an adult. Program offered by Botetourt County Parks & Recreation. Class size is limited, go to botetourtva.gov/823/fitness-classes to register.
Puzzle Sale
August 21-25, normal library hours, Blue Ridge Library
Find your next favorite puzzle for 50 cents! Proceeds will benefit library programs and projects through the Friends of the Blue Ridge Library.
BOCO Eclectic Readers
Thu, Aug 24, 11am-12pm, Eagle Rock Library
Join a book discussion of “As Bright as Heaven” by Susan Meissner, a novel about love, loss, and family during the Spanish Flu pandemic of 1918. Coffee provided.
Little Explorers
Every Tuesday 10:30-11:30am, Fincastle Library
Every Thursday 10:30-11:30am, Blue Ridge Library
Bring your toddler to a special play space so they can explore with educational and soft play toys, as well as interact with other toddlers.
StoryTime
Weekly, 10:30-11am
Tuesdays – Blue Ridge Library
Wednesdays – Eagle Rock Library
Thursdays – Fincastle Library
Fridays – Buchanan Library
Improve literacy, motor skills, and school readiness through books, songs, and tactile activities. Activities follow our summer theme of space and time. Recommended for preschoolers.
Kids’ Activities
Arts & Crafts: Fridays 2:30-3:30pm, Eagle Rock Library
How to Draw: Fridays 3-4pm, Blue Ridge Library
Art Club: Fridays 3:30-4:30pm, Buchanan Library
Get creative with various artistic activities! Recommended for ages 6-11.
Computer Basics
Mondays in August, Eagle Rock Library
Tuesdays in August, Blue Ridge Library
Join Humankind’s Chris Becke for presentations with lots of hands-on practice! Laptops provided or bring your own. Registration required, class size limited to 6. Call 540-928-2900 to register.
Yoga for Beginners
Tuesdays 10-11am, Eagle Rock Library
Yoga instructor Kathy Austin guides attendees through gentle yoga stretches. This program is offered in partnership with Botetourt County Parks & Recreation. Class size is limited, call 540-928-2800 to register.
See our calendar at BOCOLibraries.info for more great events.