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Huntington Beach council wants options for making it harder for children to access sexually explicit books at city libraries

June 21, 2023

A Huntington Beach City Council majority supports finding ways to make it harder for children to access sexually explicit books at city libraries.

Councilmember Gracey Van Der Mark’s proposal passed in a 4-3 vote shortly after 1 a.m. Wednesday, June 21, with the council’s conservative majority asking the city attorney and city manager to return with various options in a September study session.

Gracey Larrea-Van Der Mark listens to public comments during a city council meeting on Tuesday, June 20, 2023. Councilmember Gracey Van Der Mark is proposing making it harder for children to access sexually explicit books at the Huntington Beach Public Libraries.
(Photo by Jeff Gritchen, Orange County Register/SCNG)

Joanne Abuqartoumy speaks in support of restricting children’s access to books during a city council meeting on Tuesday, June 20, 2023. Councilmember Gracey Van Der Mark is proposing making it harder for children to access sexually explicit books at the Huntington Beach Public Libraries.
(Photo by Jeff Gritchen, Orange County Register/SCNG)

Brenda Glim speaks out against restricting children’s access to books during a city council meeting on Tuesday, June 20, 2023. Councilmember Gracey Van Der Mark is proposing making it harder for children to access sexually explicit books at the Huntington Beach Public Libraries.
(Photo by Jeff Gritchen, Orange County Register/SCNG)

Visitors during a city council meeting on Tuesday, June 20, 2023. Councilmember Gracey Van Der Mark is proposing making it harder for children to access sexually explicit books at the Huntington Beach Public Libraries.
(Photo by Jeff Gritchen, Orange County Register/SCNG)

Councilmembers San Kalmick, Natalie Moser and Gracey Lerrea-Van Der Mark listen to public comment during a city council meeting on Tuesday, June 20, 2023. Councilmember Gracey Van Der Mark is proposing making it harder for children to access sexually explicit books at the Huntington Beach Public Libraries.
(Photo by Jeff Gritchen, Orange County Register/SCNG)

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“What I am asking is that we look into different ways to protect kids from this,” Van Der Mark said after having presented several books she had concerns about that she found in the local library. She said she wasn’t looking to ban books, but remove them from access by children without adult supervision. “Parents check these books out. If this is what you want for your kids, go for it.”

Mayor Tony Strickland said when he first heard about Van Der Mark’s proposal, he had concerns, but was “floored by what’s in those books.”

Tensions simmered throughout the meeting, with residents focused on Van Der Mark’s proposal to screen out “obscene and pornographic children’s books” from city libraries.

The meeting began at 6 p.m. on Tuesday and public comment lasted well into the night. More than a hundred people spoke and more than 600 emailed comments to the City Council. Strickland pounded his gavel several times throughout the night, demanding the room to calm down.

During her PowerPoint presentation, Van Der Mark read several excerpts from books that she said showed sexually explicit passages and illustrations, some of which she said she found in young adult and children’s sections of the Huntington Beach Public Library.

Some had LGBTQ themes, some covered various sexual topics. Van Der Mark blurred some of the material in her 13-slide presentation.

Huntington Beach resident Laszlo Lak said the material in question “is not something that is uplifting” and a line should be drawn somewhere over what’s appropriate for children to access.

Early in the evening, Councilmember Rhonda Bolton questioned why Van Der Mark had singled out some LGBTQ books. Dozens of speakers brought Pride flags to signal their opposition to the book proposal.

Councilmember Natalie Moser said the city libraries already have a process in place to have books reviewed.

Mark Dixon, a longtime Huntington Beach resident, said elected officials shouldn’t have power over what books are appropriate in libraries.

“I want people who are trained and qualified to select the books for our children to see,” Dixon said.

Author Elana K. Arnold, who’s had several of her books banned, said librarians have an education on what books should be in libraries. “They should be in charge.”

Before the meeting, State Sen. Dave Min, who represents parts of Huntington Beach, asked the City Council to reject Van Der Mark’s proposal. He called the proposal wrong and said parents can choose which books are appropriate for their children.

“The bill will further add to the growing perception that Surf City is a hostile and unwelcoming place to those with diverse ideas or perspectives,” Min said in a statement.

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Huntington Beach council wants options for making it harder for children to access sexually explicit books at city libraries

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