The ongoing national debate on which books should be accessible to children has now made its way to Orange County. The Huntington Beach City Council has recently taken steps to limit access to books categorized as “obscene” in public libraries.
Mayor Pro Tem Gracey Van Der Mark is particularly concerned about children having access to materials she deems “obscene and pornographic,” according to columnist Gustavo Arellano. Van Der Mark has requested the collaboration of the city attorney and city manager to find a solution that prevents children from accessing these books without violating the First Amendment.
Van Der Mark’s definition of “obscene” covers a broad spectrum, encompassing works like the young adult coming-of-age memoir “Gender Queer,” featuring depictions of sex scenes; a romance novel set in 1930s Texas about a Black boy and a Mexican American girl; a graphic novel depicting a grandpa taking his grandchild to a Pride parade, including an image of two leather-clad gay men embracing; and a sexual education manual from the adult section of a library.
Arellano observes that today’s America differs significantly from the one he grew up in. He notes that 30 years ago, he was reading Greek mythology stories, such as the legend of the minotaur, which left a lasting impact on him. He underscores that the issue isn’t with what is considered classic literature but with modern-day young adult literature.
He emphasizes, “The world is a challenging place.… The library is designed as a safe space for everyone. Librarians play a crucial role in guiding the interests of especially young individuals towards content that fosters personal growth. For the Huntington Beach City Council to claim, ‘We are the arbiters of what’s obscene,’ rather than entrusting this role to librarians, reflects a level of hubris, particularly characteristic of Huntington Beach.”