Anonymous Saboteurs Are At It Again

The JCPL Allies have received photographs of a flyer that is being circulated by opponents of the Fontana Regional Library (FRL). We have been told that it is being shared by a current commissioner, but so far, this is unsubstantiated. If any of you has a physical copy of the flyer, or know for certain who is responsible, will you please contact us? We would appreciate it.

The JCPL Allies has issued the following statement to the press in response to the flyer. Please share:

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The JCPL Allies notes that most of the points in the flyer are unsubstantiated and unsupported. They include claims about finances, the power that will supposedly be gained if Jackson County leaves the Fontana Regional Library (FRL), and the nature of the opposition to leaving the FRL. We do not know who authored the flyer, but multiple library patrons report that Commissioner Jenny Lynn Hooper is distributing copies.

First, this is not a partisan issue, despite what the flyer suggests. There has been broad bipartisan support for the FRL and the Jackson County Public Libraries. Similarly, concerns about library holdings are shared by members of all political parties.

Finance concerns presented in the flyer are misleading at best. No one has a complete set of numbers. While there are ongoing claims that leaving the FRL will save money, partial evidence from County Manager Kevin King does not support that conclusion. The actual cost will not be known until consultants complete their report. We fear that a loss of funds will force cuts to staff, services, and programming. Yancey County's public libraries experienced these losses after leaving their regional agreement, so these concerns are not unfounded. The flyer also claims that leaving the FRL will allow control over librarian salaries. In reality, Jackson County already pays the salaries for library employees working in Jackson County through its contributions to the FRL. If commissioners wanted to change employee salaries, they already have that authority.

The nature of the public library is to provide access to materials, which is deeply aligned with First Amendment rights. The flyer calls for materials to be moved to a special section. There are varied definitions of censorship, but its broad characteristics include limitation of access. The Oxford English Dictionary defines it as "the suppression or removal of writing, artistic work, etc. that are considered obscene, politically unacceptable, or a threat to security."

The flyer claims that the library provides access to inappropriate content. We recognize that opinions differ on what is appropriate and do not seek to change any parent's judgment about what is best for their child. We advocate for access to materials and reject the vilification of libraries for providing access to varied ideas and viewpoints. It is a parent's right and responsibility to monitor what their children read, not the library's role to make those decisions for families. Regarding book excerpts about sexual education, sexual violence, and sexual activity, it is a sad truth that teens sometimes face adult situations earlier than parents hope. Access to accurate, age-appropriate resources helps them make informed decisions that honor their values and their family's values. Books on sex education and consent empower adolescents and young adults to understand boundaries, relationships, and personal safety. Without credible sources, teens often turn to unreliable or harmful information online or from peers.

Age recommendations for books are based on carefully developed publisher and professional guidelines, not the personal wishes of librarians or special interest groups. These guidelines consider language, themes, and developmental appropriateness. Young adult sections serve readers roughly ages 12 to 18, providing access to relevant resources without endorsing specific behaviors. The books Shine and Sold, which are referenced in the flyer, are shelved in the YA section of both libraries. Gender Queer, the graphic novel from which the picture was taken, is not owned by either Jackson County library; it is in the Macon County Library.

The flyer mentions eliminating duplication of county services, which raises an important question: What services are they referring to? County facilities provide valuable resources, but few are open as many hours as the library or welcome the public on Saturdays. The library's extended hours make it a practical access point for other public goods and services, helping residents connect with resources they might not otherwise reach. Beyond hours, the library offers programs and resources that are difficult to find elsewhere. Examples include Tech Time, Home School Hangout, story time, teen time, a creative writing group for adults, smartphone help, Friday films, book making, Kids' Yoga, Lego Club, tax preparation assistance, a sewing club for children, crafts for children, technology help, and resume writing support. These activities meet real needs for families, students, and adults, and they are not duplicated by other county services.

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Over the past year, some community members have raised concerns about issues in our libraries. Fear can easily make people angry and discourage listening and collaboration, but these conversations are important. So far, there have been few requests from concerned parties for details or explanations from librarians, and little discussion about whether there is a path toward resolving concerns.

There is still plenty of room for compromise and change in the way our libraries present information. However, in all discussions, we must protect the right to information and share why access matters for everyone in our community.

For updates on this issue and point-by-point fact checking, please follow us on Facebook (see link at the bottom of this page).

The JCPL Allies