Old Lyme Library Board Votes To Keep Controversial Books On Shelves

OLD LYME, CT — The Old Lyme Phoebe Griffin Noyes Library Board of Trustees rejected an attempt to remove two sex-ed books from its shelves, according to a statement on the library's website. The board determined at its Tuesday meeting that the two books met the criteria stated in the library's policy for inclusion in its teen/tween collection.

A board decision and statement on the library's website reads: "After careful consideration, the Old Lyme Phoebe Griffin Noyes Library Board of Trustees has determined that the books You Know, Sex: Bodies, Gender, Puberty, and Other Things by Cory Silverberg and Fiona Smyth and Let’s Talk About It: The Teen’s Guide to Sex, Relationships, and Being a Human by Erika Moen and Matthew Nolan meet the selection criteria as stated in The Library’s Collection Development Policy for inclusion in the Library’s Teen/Tween collection."

The board noted that many of the library's materials are controversial and that "any given item may offend some patrons." The board said the selection of materials is made solely on the principles of its policy.

The decision also noted that limiting access to content is the responsibility of parents. Read the full statement here.

Previously, a request signed by 135 people asked library officials to reconsider whether two books — "Let's Talk About It" and "You Know, Sex" — were appropriate for teens. One resident said that one of the books has "no educational value" and is "encouraging pornography," NBC CT reported.

A letter opposing the book ban was signed by more than 400 residents, according to The Hartford Courant. The letter states that those signing "assert our strong opposition to any such censorship in our community."

“Let’s Talk About It” was also targeted in a book ban attempt in Fairfield last year. The library's Board of Trustees unanimously voted to keep the book in the Fairfield Library's Teen Section without any restrictions.

Several local parents had sought to have the book removed or to restrict access to it, arguing that the book's themes were inappropriate for teens.

See related: Controversial Teen Book To Remain In Fairfield Library: Report