HOLLYWOOD, Fla. – Broward County libraries are backing banned books and promoting those pages in “book sanctuaries.”
Library cards are being offered with the words “I READ BANNED BOOKS,” lined with flames that reference historic book burnings. Buttons are also being handed out.
It’s an effort to fight back against what officials say is censorship.
“A library is a library and its goal is to expose to a broad horizon of ideas and beliefs and backgrounds,” said Allison Grubbs, the director of Broward County Libraries.
Grubbs has built a “book sanctuary” at every Broward branch, showcasing a variety of stories. They include banned school books and books that have been challenged or requested to be moved somewhere else.
“It calls to mind history that should not be repeated,” said Grubbs, referencing historic book burnings.
Among the sanctuary books were classics like “The Outsiders.”
Or more recent, “And Tango Makes 3″ — the story of two male penguins who help hatch and raise an orphaned chick.
That story was based on the true story of Roy and Silo in New York’s Central Park Zoo.
Other titles currently highlighted include, “I am Jazz” and “Lovely Bones” as well as “Hair Love.”
Grubbs said what has happened in recent years politically has emboldened more people to challenge various books, sharing different points of view.
Broward Mayor Beam Furr said Grubbs has been recognized and awarded nationally for her efforts.
“I’m so proud,” said Furr. “Broward County stood up and said we are going to stand up for intellectual freedom. I think that’s important.”
Other voices, like Republican Representative Chip LaMarca, have reacted to the cards, previously writing on X, “Do you think this kind of hyperbole is helpful when you’re soliciting millions of dollars from the State of Florida?”
Other legislators have argued that school books are not banned but decisions must be made about what’s acceptable in schools.