Llano County, Texas Library: The Great Book Purge
In a move that has left many scratching their heads—and some giggling—a Texas library in Llano County is saying goodbye to some of the most entertaining (and occasionally embarrassing) books.
Among the casualties: books about butts and farts. Yes, you read that correctly. Apparently, local officials, including Judge Ron Cunningham, decided that these tomes of tummy-tickling humor were too risqué for their shelves.
Judge Cunningham, who seemingly moonlighted as the county’s new head librarian, took on the role with gusto. He removed books like Gary the Goose and His Gas on the Loose, and, in a move that has shocked and amused many, expanded his efforts to ban a whole array of literature. This included not just books with LGBTQ+ content but also those addressing racism—because nothing says “family-friendly” like a good dose of selective amnesia.
If you’re wondering what led to this curious crusade, it seems Judge Cunningham was guided by a list from a former Texas state lawmaker who viewed these books as “pornographic filth.” One can only imagine what kind of wild fantasies are attributed to books that discuss basic human dignity and historical events.
In response, a lawsuit was filed quicker than you can say “butt joke.” A lower court ruled that the books were unfairly removed and demanded their return to the shelves. This decision, however, did not sit well with Llano County, which promptly appealed.
The appeal landed in the hands of the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals, a three-judge panel that decided to reinstate some of the removed books. They didn’t, however, address every issue, leaving room for more debate about what content should—or should not—be allowed.
So, as Llano County continues its bookish battle, one thing is clear: Humor might not be the highest priority for some, but for many, it’s a cherished part of life, whether it’s found in a fart joke or a thoughtful exploration of diverse experiences. And perhaps next time, the decision-makers will remember that butts and farts, while they may cause a chuckle, are far from the only things worth banning.
