Huntington Beach must follow state’s Freedom to Read Act, O.C. judge rules

An Orange County judge on Friday ruled against Huntington Beach in its effort to move certain children’s books to a separate section of the library.

Erin Spivey, Coast League member and former Huntington Beach librarian was among the plaintiffs in the lawsuit.  The lawsuit claimed that the city’s effort to move certain children’s books to a separate section of the library was illegal. Spivey called Friday’s decision as a victory for democracy.

“I’ve always been of the belief that the library is the most democratic institution in the country,” Spivey said. “Whoever walks in the door is equal to every other person who walks in the door. They are all welcome, and they should all be represented in our collection. So, every part of me fully believes in what we are doing here today.”

Examples that Spivey gave included removing the restricted books area from the fourth floor of the Central Library, as well as removing the restricted books list from the website. She added that the library may want to reestablish the “young adult” section as well.

by Susan J. Knight

Observer Corps