Crawford County squabble over LGBTQ books removal from library system headed to Federal Court

Three Crawford County parents who filed a lawsuit against the Crawford County Library System, alleging unlawful censorship of LGBTQ+ materials, will apparently have their day in court.

The lawsuit, filed on May 26, 2023, targets Crawford County Judge Chris Keith, the Crawford County Quorum Court, the interim library director, and the Crawford County Library Board.

The controversy began when the library system decided to relocate over 240 LGBTQ+ books

from the children’s section to a subsection of the adult section, labeled the "social section"1. This decision, according to the plaintiffs, infringes on their First Amendment rights and restricts access to important educational materials for their children.

Rebecca Virden, one of the plaintiffs, expressed her frustration, stating, "It’s not the librarian’s job to say what’s appropriate for my child. It’s not the Quorum Court’s job to predetermine that all these topics were not appropriate for my child; that is my right as a parent".

The lawsuit seeks to reverse the library’s decision and return the books to their original location in the children’s section. Additionally, the plaintiffs are requesting the replacement of certain library board members and the reimbursement of legal fees.

This case has sparked a broader debate within the community, with some residents supporting the relocation of the books, citing concerns over children’s exposure to LGBTQ+ content, while others argue for the importance of inclusivity and access to diverse perspectives.

As the legal battle unfolds, the outcome could set a precedent for how public libraries handle sensitive materials and balance community values with constitutional rights.