Alpena voters approve library tax, despite fuss over sex-themed books
Voters in Alpena County on Tuesday approved a tax to keep its public library open, despite a campaign to defund it over children and teen books with sexual themes.
An operating millage, necessary to keep the library open, passed with 59% of the vote. The tax provides 74% of the library’s budget, some $800,00.
The campaign featured yard signs urging voters to “Vote NO on Library Grooming” and included an image of a man handing a book labeled “X Rated” to a young girl.
At issue were 14 books including “Let’s Talk About It: The Teen’s Guide to Sex, Relationships and Being a Human.” The graphic novel is one of the American Library Association’s 10 most challenged books of 2023 for its depiction of masturbation and LGBTQ issues.
https://www.bridgemi.com/michigan-government/alpena-voters-approve-library-tax-despite-fuss-over-sex-themed-books