Smithtown Library Pulls LGBTQ+ Materials From Children's Rooms

SMITHTOWN, NY — The Smithtown Library Board voted 4-2 on Tuesday to remove all LGBTQ+ books and Pride Month displays from the library's children's sections. By Wednesday, the decision was sparking controversy across social media, Twitter, and drawing condemnations from politicians including New York Gov. Kathy Hochul.

A memo from Library Director Robert Lusak dated June 21 read that a resolution passed "to remove all Pride displays, in addition to removing all books of the same subject on display from all Children's sections in all Smithtown Library buildings."

The memo circulated on Facebook and Twitter, leading opponents of the move to organize to attend the next library board meeting on July 19 and to issue criticisms of the decision.

On Wednesday, the New York Library Association tweeted "Libraries. Are. For. Everyone. NYLA condemns the Smithtown Library Board of Trustees resolution to remove all Pride displays & books on display of the same subject from all Children’s sections in their buildings."

Nassau County Legis. Arnold Drucker from Plainview joined a chorus of politicians to issue a statement against the board's vote.

“Earlier this year, when Florida was ramming destructive ‘Don’t Say Gay’ laws through its State Legislature, I lamented the fact that this coordinated, nationwide assault on the LGBTQ+ community could soon arrive on our doorstep. Not only will last night’s action by the Smithtown Library Board make it harder for children to safely access age-appropriate resources that have been vetted by library professionals, it will further enflame hatred against our friends and neighbors and embolden a book-banning brigade, fueled by disgusting lies about LGBTQ+ people, to expand its reach."

Gov. Hochul also expressed her opposition on Wednesday via Twitter.

"For many LGBTQ+ kids, libraries are one of the few spaces where they can be welcomed and affirmed for who they are. Our public spaces should be accepting our young people — not rejecting them. To LGBTQ+ New Yorkers: We stand with you, we support you, and you are welcome here."

The Smithtown Library responded with a statement late Wednesday that stated:

"At their June 21 monthly Board of Trustees Meeting, the Library Trustees requested that a discussion regarding Pride Displays in the Children's Rooms be put on the agenda. After a lengthy discussion, the Board voted 4-2 to approve the following:

"Motion to remove all Pride Displays, in addition to removing all books of the same subject on display, from all Children's sections in all Smithtown Library buildings".

Please understand that all books on this subject are still part of the Library's Children's collection and can be checked out by anyone wishing to do so. These titles have not been removed from the collection. The Library continues to display Pride month displays in our Teen and Adult areas."

The library will hold an emergency board meeting Thursday night at 6:30 p.m. and the public can access to the meeting via Zoom or phone.