Pride-Themed Books, Displays Return to Library Shelves in Long Island, NY

Amid a public outcry, that included the voices of New York Governor Kathy Hochul and best-selling author Jodi Picoult, a Long Island library reversed its decision to remove Pride displays and LGBTQ-themed books from its children’s section shelves. In a statement, Hochul also saya she would direct the State’s Division of Human Rights to investigate the removal of “banned” materials in the first place.

“Public places are prohibited by law from engaging in discrimination based on sexual orientation or gender identity,” she sayss.

The New York Library Association (NYLA) call the initial decision “a direct violation of NYLA’s commitment to intellectual freedom and he freedom to read that libraries are entrusted to uphold.” The statement continues, “This ban of any displays related to Pride sets a dangerous precedent for libraries across the state because it normalizes the victimization of LGBTQ+ youth in their school and in their communities, which has dire consequences.”

The NYLA’s statement notes the high numbers of LGBTQ young people attempting suicide.

The board of the Smithtown Library rescinded their decision and say in a statement,” The majority of the board recognizes that our earlier decision was made without the time, care, or due diligence that a decision of this type deserves and that it was the wrong decision.”

For many LGBTQ+ kids and their families, libraries are a place to find acceptance and information. The reversal made clear the opposition to the “Don’t Say Gay” philosophy in the community.

The state’s LGBT Network organization will move ahead with planned initiatives in the fall with the goal of “permanently changing the landscape of our schools for our LGBTQ youth and the leadership that makes up our school boards and library trustee seats.” LGBT Network ambassadors will help ensure that LGBTQ curriculum is taught, and the community’s history is recognized and represented in school districts in the state.

“The reversal overall is good because it gets those books and displays back into the libraries,” LGBT Network vice president and COO Robert Vitelli says. “The commentary that went along with the votes shows there’s still a lot that needs to be done.”