Michigan, library faces closure over LGBTQ+ themed books

The Patmos Library, a library in a small Michigan town, Jamestown, is at risk of closure following a vote by residents to decide whether or not to renew its funding. Indeed, 62 percent of citizens voted not to renew the library’s grant, and the library, deprived of 84 percent of its resources that come from property taxes, is thus in danger of closing; it would only be able to cover the first quarter of next year. But what is the reason for this choice?

The controversy began months ago over the presence of LGBTQ+-themed books on the library’s shelves; in particular, an ultraconservative community group pointed the finger at the graphic novel Gender Queer. A Memoir by Maia Kobake, which chronicles the author’s nonbinary experience. The book had been placed in the adult section of the library because it contains illustrations of gender. Many residents had requested that the volume be removed from the shelves, so the library decided to place the book behind the counter.

The conservative group distributed flyers condemning the graphic novel for its same-sex sexual content and at the same time criticizing the library director for promoting LGBTQ ideology; the library, according to the group, was becoming an unsafe place for their children.

"They are protesting all the LGBTQ books that are on our shelves. They want these books to be banned, which is unacceptable. We, the board, will not censor the books," Larry Walton, president of the library board, told the Associated Press.

Library director Amber McLain resigned in March because she was accused of indoctrinating children and because she was threatened by community members; a few months later interim director Matthew Lawrence also resigned.

Thus, when the board refused to remove LGBTQ-themed books some upset residents organized a movement not to renew funding.

However, two days after the vote, a Jamestown resident launched an online fundraiser to raise financial contributions to keep the library from closing in this way. More than $120,000 has already been raised. Goal $245,000.

Michigan, library faces closure over LGBTQ+ themed books

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