Pasco libraries ‘suppress’ more than 100 children’s books with LGBTQ+ themes

In a significant move, the Pasco County library system has removed 130 children's books that feature LGBTQ+ themes, initiating a review process following concerns raised by county commissioner Seth Weightman. The review was prompted after a patron expressed discomfort with the content of specific titles, including “Calvin,” a story about a transgender child. Weightman characterized the discussions surrounding these books as inappropriate for a children's environment, framing them as “adult conversations. ” This decision adds to Florida's ongoing contentious debate over the availability of LGBTQ+ literature in public educational institutions. Similar challenges have been observed in school districts across the state, with legal battles, such as the recent case involving the Nassau County School Board, highlighting the tensions between parental concerns and literary freedom.

Activists like Stephana Ferrell from the Florida Freedom to Read Project noted that the trend of removing such books was anticipated in Pasco County. This situation underscores the broader implications for libraries as they navigate community standards and political pressures. The outcome of these reviews will likely influence the future availability of these titles in Pasco County's libraries.