BY MILES LAYTON

Libraries have joined the front lines of the culture wars because programs and events sometimes may show a divided community with different views of America. That’s why library programming matters more and more — to bridge the divide.    

A few years back, I wrote several stories following the public outcry after a local library in Ohio chose to have the book “Making A Baby” in the children’s section. Written by Rachel Greener and illustrated by Clare Owen, the book was considered controversial due to its approach to family structures and reproductive processes, including discussions about same-sex parents, intersex individuals, and adoption. This led some parents and community members to question its suitability for children, while others saw it as a valuable tool for open discussions about family diversity and complex biological concepts. 

The book’s critics wanted it removed from the shelves because of the subject matter and the graphic nature of the book’s artwork.

Supporters said the subject material should not be banned and considered it acceptable because children may have questions about sex as it relates to reproduction.

Moderates wanted the book available but placed within a section of the library where young kids were less likely to open its pages.

After much debate, the lead librarian cited library policy and kept it on the shelves in the children’s section.   

Another controversial story I covered – Pride month library programming that included a drag queen story hour at a library in a community that was home to a major university in Ohio. That particular city endorsed LGBTQ programs and displays more so than a working-class town 20 miles away, so Pride month displays became a battleground issue waged at Board of Trustees meetings, within the editorial pages and social media.

Library programming can present a charged subject, so smart librarians have to balance programs that educate and inform their readers, regardless of controversy, while aligning with community standards rather than stirring the pot. Applied like this – drag queen story hour might work in San Francisco, but maybe not in Edenton.  And I think I speak for a lot of folks who love Edenton and Chowan County — if you moved here from somewhere else, I don’t want to hear how things are better or more inclusive where you used to live, especially if your streets are lawless war zones.

Speaking of library programming, I talked to Chowan County Commissioner Tony Shaffer before Pomp and Circumstance began playing at commencement for John A. Holmes High School.  

Per the Shepard-Pruden Library Board of Trustees’ story about the Chowan County Commission opting not to reappoint Sherrone Battle – did the Confederate Memorial play a role in Shaffer’s objections to Battle’s reappointment because she is a member of the Move the Monument Coalition that’s suing the County and Town of Edenton over placement of the statue? 

Shaffer said that the lawsuit had nothing to do with his reasons for objecting to Battle’s reappointment to the BOT.  

When trying to figure out where Shaffer’s opposition was coming from, Battle said, “If the Commissioner interpreted the Board’s past decision not to hold an event centered on the Edenton Confederate Monument as a lack of support for veterans, he is sadly confused, and perhaps should ask the multiple Board members who did not believe that was a good use of limited library resources.” 

In response to that part of Battle’s quote about the Confederate Memorial, Shaffer said he was not aware that the BOT had adopted any such resolution. 

Shaffer said he objected because Battle did not support veterans’ programming. Moreover, Shaffer said that when he and Battle were serving on the BOT, he brought the issue of veterans programming up many times, including recommendations that the Library feature events with authors like Mark Bowden (Blackhawk Down, Killing Pablo), Jack Carr (The Terminal List and the James Reece series) along with Ralph Peters and Bill Forstchen. And let’s not forget that Shaffer is a New York Times best selling author of Operation Dark Heart. He also recommended events on the Revolutionary War as they relate to Edenton. 

Shaffer said he considers it strange and even embarrassing that while the library can feature events around Harry Potter, there was no programming featuring veterans’ issues during the past three years. 

Battle strongly denies her opposition to veterans’ programming. 

It bears repeating what Battle said — “I was even more surprised to learn from a reporter that, apparently, a commissioner claimed I should not be reappointed because I have not supported library events featuring our veterans. That would be a completely false assertion. As the daughter of a military veteran, I honor those who have bravely served under the flag of the United States of America.” 

Per Battle, serving as a member of the Library BOT or not, she does a lot for our community, active as a member of the Edenton-Chowan Board of Education too. Battle was serving on the BOT not for some big paycheck (I don’t think they get paid or if they do, it’s not much) or for the fame and glory, but because she is dedicated to our community.

The same can be said of Shaffer — I’m certainly glad that people like that choose to live in Chowan County.  

Shepard-Pruden has a relatively new county librarian, hired in March – Brandy Goodwin – after former librarian, Jared Jacavone, moved back to New England to lead a library in Connecticut.  

Goodwin is from Chowan County, indeed, she grew up at Shepard-Pruden Memorial Library. I have a lot of faith in Goodwin, so I suspect there will be veterans’ programming offered in the future. 

Shepard-Pruden is a special place – has a lot of community support and engagement. 

Goodwin hopes to build on that to expand and improve the library.    

“You have a lot of people supporting the library, a lot of programs going on, and I just wanna keep that going,” she said in a prior interview. “I want to get people to want to come into these doors, to get inspired, to read, to get inspired, to be involved.”