Maricopa County Libraries Face Scrutiny Over Sexually Explicit Books In Youth Sections
By Jonathan Eberle |
The Maricopa County Library District (MCLD) is facing growing scrutiny from parents and advocacy groups over concerns that sexually explicit books are being displayed in the youth sections of its libraries. Organizations like AZ Women of Action (AZWOA) and EZAZ, along with dozens of local residents, are urging county officials to take stronger action to protect children and support parental rights.
The issue reached a boiling point this spring when residents raised their concerns directly with the Maricopa County Board of Supervisors (BOS). In response, Supervisors Debbie Lesko and Mark Stewart held meetings with AZWOA representatives, signaling that the county may be preparing to address the controversy more directly.
MCLD, which oversees 15 libraries serving the nation’s fourth-most populous county, currently follows a Collection Development Policy that emphasizes community demand and diversity. The policy also defers to parents and guardians on what materials their children borrow, and explicitly avoids labeling materials based on their content or philosophy. Critics argue this approach lacks adequate safeguards.
At the center of the debate are specific books flagged as inappropriate by advocacy groups. Titles such as “It’s Perfectly Normal” by Robie H. Harris and “This Book Is Gay” by Juno Dawson have drawn sharp criticism for what opponents say are graphic depictions of sex and sexual behavior that are not suitable for minors. Novels by author Ellen Hopkins, which explore themes of sexual abuse and trafficking, have also been cited as problematic.
Advocates point to Arizona statutes—ARS 13-3506 and ARS 13-3507—which make it a felony to knowingly provide sexually explicit materials to minors or display such materials in public. Some residents have called on the Maricopa County Sheriff’s Office and County Attorney’s Office to investigate whether the library’s practices violate these laws.
“The goal isn’t censorship,” said Merissa Hamilton of EZAZ. “It’s about ensuring age-appropriate content and preserving a parent’s right to guide their children’s upbringing.”
In recent weeks, AZWOA has launched a petition asking the BOS to move explicit titles from youth sections to adult areas and to consider implementing a rating system. Books rated three or higher on a five-point scale would require parental permission before being borrowed by minors.
As a partial response, the BOS approved a pilot program at the Queen Creek Library. The program allows parents to submit a form listing books their children may not check out. However, critics argue the system is cumbersome and poorly publicized, making it ineffective.
The future of library policy in Maricopa County remains uncertain, but one thing is clear: a growing number of residents are demanding more say in what books their children can access—and they’re not backing down.
Jonathan Eberle is a reporter for AZ Free News. You can send him news tips using this link.