The head librarian in Gillette, Wyoming was fired after 11 years for refusing to remove LGBTQ+ books from the teen section of the library. Residents had complained about books addressing LGBTQ+ topics and a Pride blog post. Guided by an out-of-state conservative group, residents challenged 29 books over two years. Last year, the library board cut ties with the ALA and changed policies to allow removing sexually explicit materials. When the librarian would not follow the new censorship-friendly guidance, the board voted to terminate her. She believed the library should serve all citizens. Interestingly, some long-time residents were upset that outsiders had attacked the respected small-town library.
It’s Wyoming what did you expect?
I’m in South Dakota, and I worry that my local library could be next. I know the director, and she’s an ally. Always has a display with progressive books, including LGBT+ topics. But we could lose that in an instant to the rapid spread of fascism.
I especially worry about youth in places like Gilette. In small conservative towns, places like the library are essential safe spaces, and they’re under attack.
Long term, their attack will spread to bigger cities too, if we don’t stop them. We need to do whatever it takes to deplatform and disenfranchise Republicans before it’s too late.
So what I expect is that people like me who live here will press the issue, and that we’ll oust Republicans in Washington because without support at the federal level, we’ve got no hope here.
Wyoming is Italian for “no state here,” according to Garfield and Friends. (Wishful thinking on the part of the writers.)