Maricopa County Libraries Under Fire for Explicit Content in Youth Sections

By Jonathan Eberle |

The Maricopa County Library District (MCLD) is under increasing scrutiny from parents and advocacy groups regarding the presence of sexually explicit books in youth sections of its libraries. Organizations like AZ Women of Action (AZWOA) and EZAZ say it’s imperative for local officials to bolster protections for children and uphold parental rights.

Concerns surged this spring when community members voiced their objections directly to the Maricopa County Board of Supervisors (BOS). In response, Supervisors Debbie Lesko and Mark Stewart engaged with AZWOA representatives, suggesting a possible reevaluation of the library’s controversial practices.

MCLD, which manages 15 libraries in the nation’s fourth-largest county, adheres to a Collection Development Policy focused on community needs and diversity. This policy places significant emphasis on parental discretion concerning borrowed materials but has faced criticism for perceived weaknesses in safeguarding minors from inappropriate content.

Specific titles have come under fire, including “It’s Perfectly Normal” by Robie H. Harris and “This Book Is Gay” by Juno Dawson. Critics argue these books contain graphic content unsuitable for children. Additionally, works by Ellen Hopkins that delve into themes of sexual abuse and trafficking have also been flagged.

Supporters of the concerns cite Arizona statutes—ARS 13-3506 and ARS 13-3507—which classify it as a felony to knowingly provide sexually explicit material to minors. Some residents have urged the Maricopa County Sheriff’s Office and County Attorney’s Office to investigate whether library practices contravene these legal standards.

“The goal isn’t censorship,” emphasized Merissa Hamilton of EZAZ. “It’s about ensuring age-appropriate content and preserving a parent’s right to guide their children’s upbringing.”

Recently, AZWOA initiated a petition advocating for the relocation of explicit titles to adult sections and the implementation of a rating system. Under this proposed system, books rated three or higher on a five-point scale would necessitate parental permission for minors to borrow.

In a preliminary concession, the BOS greenlit a pilot program at the Queen Creek Library, allowing parents to list books their children cannot check out. However, critics argue that the program is cumbersome and poorly promoted, rendering it largely ineffective.

As the debate unfolds, Maricopa County libraries stand at a crossroads. A growing number of residents are seeking a stronger voice in determining what books their children can access, signaling that this issue is far from resolved.

Jonathan Eberle is a reporter for AZ Free News. You can send him news tips using this link.