The Huntington Beach City Council this week ordered studies of two citizens’ initiatives regarding the city’s public libraries, the latest development in the long-running saga over the content of children’s books.
Their action pushes the vote on whether and when to put the initiatives on the ballot into February.
Here’s why that matters
The libraries have been a center of controversy since staunch conservatives gained control of city government. But Huntington Beach is not alone. In communities across the country, libraries have become a battleground in the so-called culture wars.
The backstory
The Huntington Beach City Council voted in late 2023 to establish a board of local parents and guardians to review children’s books for the city’s public libraries — and weed out ones they determine to have inappropriate content. And last year, the council considered outsourcing library operations to a private company.
What was the response?
Opponents mounted petition drives to repeal the review board and change the city’s charter to prohibit privatizing the libraries. In December, both initiatives qualified for a future ballot. That meant the council had a decision to make.
Why is this coming up now?
The council voted, 6-0, Tuesday night, with one member absent, to have city staff study the initiatives and write a report on how they would affect the city.
What’s next?
The reports are due within 30 days and will be presented to the City Council at its meeting Feb. 18. At that time, the council will have to vote on whether and when to put the initiatives on the ballot. They could also…
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