Future of Michigan Libraries Uncertain Over LGBTQ Material Flap

Article Author:

Associated Press

Jamestown, Michigan Township  — West Michigan was faced with an uncertain future on Thursday after a furor over LGBTQ material on library shelves led to a failed update to the property tax mileage that funds most of the budget.{34

The Patmos Library in Jamestown Township, a suburb of Grand Rapids, will lose 84% of its $245,000 annual budget after failing to renew mileage in Tuesday's primary. said Larry Walton, chairman of the Library Board. Millage said he failed with 1,905 votes against and 1,142 votes in favor.

A small group of conservative residents campaigned against the update because the library refused to remove all LGBTQ materials, Walton said in a telephone interview with his AP. .

"They are protesting every LGBTQ book on our shelves," Walton said. They want to ban the book, he said, "that is unacceptable."

Cody Newhouse, who voted against Mirage, told WOOD-TV that even though the books are in the adult section of the library, children can still access them.

"I only care about LGBTQ, especially children," Newhouse said. "If you're older, make your own decisions, that's perfectly fine. But when it comes to younger children, I believe you should stay away from them."[48] }

Walton said he never knew when millage dollars would run out.

"I'm optimistic that we can overcome the hurdles posed by conservative groups," he said.

You'll get the latest headlines, stories, opinions and photos of Toronto His Sun from the newsroom to your inbox at noon.

By clicking the subscribe button, you agree to receive the above newsletter from Postmedia Network Inc. You can unsubscribe at any time by clicking the unsubscribe link at the bottom of the email. Post Media Networks Inc. | 365 Bloor Street East, Toronto, Ontario, M4W 3L4 | 416-383-2300