Today, we address a pressing concern raised at recent Maricopa County Library District meetings, where citizens passionately voiced their alarm over sexually explicit materials accessible to children in our public libraries. This issue, rooted in the protection of our children’s innocence, demands urgent action and accountability from those entrusted with overseeing our community’s resources.
The Crisis in Our Libraries
The Maricopa County Library District has come under scrutiny for allowing books containing sexually explicit content in areas accessible to children as young as six. Concerned parents, grandparents, and community members, including a courageous 16-year-old high school junior named Kyler, spoke out at the meeting, highlighting the dangers of normalizing harmful material. Books such as It’s Perfectly Normal and This Book Is Gay were cited as containing graphic sexual content, with explicit descriptions and illustrations inappropriate for young readers. For example, It’s Perfectly Normal, labeled for ages 10 and up, includes detailed depictions of sexual acts on page nine and even defines pornography on page 89, admitting its intent to evoke sexual excitement. Such content, placed in the children’s and young adult sections, violates Arizona Revised Statute 13-3507, which prohibits knowingly furnishing obscene or sexually explicit material to minors.
As Kyler powerfully stated, “When you have sexually explicit material in front of children, it makes it so normal in their minds. So when somebody else touches them, they’re not going to think of that as, ‘Oh, that’s wrong.’” This normalization of explicit content risks desensitizing children, potentially leading to harmful behaviors, including child-on-child sexual assault, where both parties become victims. The Bible reminds us in Matthew 18:6, “But whoever causes one of these little ones who believe in me to sin, it would be better for him to have a great millstone fastened around his neck and to be drowned in the depth of the sea.” Our responsibility to protect our children’s innocence is clear.
A Call for Accountability
The meeting revealed a troubling lack of urgency from the Library District Board and the Maricopa County Attorney’s Office, which faces a conflict of interest by advising the board while also prosecuting related crimes. Despite public outcry and evidence presented over a year ago, books like It’s Perfectly Normal remain on shelves, easily accessible to children without warnings or barriers. One speaker noted a list of 282 explicit books, verified online, rated as sexually explicit or inappropriate for children. Yet, the board’s response has been slow, citing “the speed of government” and legal concerns over free speech. While we respect the First Amendment, it must never be used as a shield to expose children to harm. As Proverbs 22:6 instructs, “Train up a child in the way he should go; even when he is old he will not depart from it.” Our libraries should be safe havens for learning, not gateways to corruption.
Citizens have proposed a pilot program to restrict access to these materials, requiring parental permission for children to check out certain books. While this is a step in the right direction, it falls short. The board’s reliance on internal counsel and unresponsive library staff—who have dismissed public feedback—has delayed meaningful action. One speaker shared their frustration: “I filled out a form on August 4th, 2023, to have an egregious adult-themed graphic novel moved from the 12 to 18-year-old section to the adult section. And to this day, it’s still on the same shelf.” This inaction is unacceptable.
A Biblical Call to Action
The Bible calls us to protect the vulnerable and to stand against evil. Psalm 82:4 urges, “Rescue the weak and the needy; deliver them from the hand of the wicked.” Our children, with their open hearts and trusting natures, are vulnerable to exploitation. Predators can exploit gaps in supervision, as highlighted by a speaker who noted that books like This Book Is Gay are placed at eye level in children’s sections, deceptively marketed as child-friendly. The community, including members of Gays Against Groomers, rejects the misuse of their identity to push explicit agendas, emphasizing that protecting children transcends all divides.
We echo the demands made at the meeting:
- Immediate Content Review: Conduct a thorough review of all materials in the youth sections of publicly funded libraries and schools.
- Segregate Inappropriate Content: Move explicit materials to a restricted, parent-only section.
- Establish Parental Oversight: Form a committee to guide and review library materials, ensuring transparency and accountability.
- Implement a Rating System: Develop a clear system, like movie ratings, to inform parents of content suitability.
- Train Staff: Educate library employees on legal standards and the importance of protecting children.
The Urgency of Now
The board’s delays and excuses—citing “red tape” or fear of backlash—cannot stand. As one speaker warned, “It only takes one page to pervert a child’s mind.” The public, including “mama bears” fiercely protective of their children, is watching. Attorneys are watching. Failure to act is no longer mere negligence; it risks being seen as an intentional violation of trust and law. We hold the purse strings as taxpayers, and we demand that our libraries reflect our values—values rooted in faith, family, and the protection of our children.
A Prayer for Guidance
Let us close with a prayer from Ephesians 6:10-11: “Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might. Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil.” May the Maricopa County Library District Board be guided by wisdom and courage to act swiftly, ensuring our libraries are sanctuaries of learning and safety for our children.
We call on all who share our faith and commitment to righteousness to join us in holding our leaders accountable. Share this post, attend board meetings, and demand transparency. Together, we can protect the family tree and shield our children from harm.
It Is Our Duty will continue to monitor this issue and provide updates. Stay vigilant, and may God guide our efforts.
