Preserve Fontana Regional Library
To the Editor:
For nearly 100 years, the Fontana Regional Library System has reflected the traditional mountain values of literacy, truth and community responsibility. These values guided our grandparents who built the first libraries in these mountains. They guided our parents who supported them. And they guide many of us today. Yet these long-held values are now at risk.
A flyer circulated this month claims that the Fontana Regional Library System is unsafe for children. This claim is inconsistent with the facts and with the legal standards that protect access to information in public libraries. Public libraries follow strict collection development procedures, professional review standards and age-based shelving policies. Children’s sections do not contain sexually explicit materials.
Federal constitutional law supports the principles our mountain families have always cherished. The United States Supreme Court held in Board of Education v. Pico that officials may not remove books simply because they disagree with the ideas in them. In Rosenberger v. University of Virginia, the Court reaffirmed that viewpoint discrimination is unconstitutional. In Tinker v. Des Moines, the Court declared that students retain free speech rights within educational environments.
Lower courts, including in Sund v. Wichita Falls and Counts v. Cedarville School District, have ruled that attempts to restrict materials based solely on ideological objections violate the First Amendment. These decisions protect exactly what our mountain values have always stood for: openness, learning and truth.
Approximately six months ago, the Jackson County Board of Commissioners voted to withdraw from the Fontana Regional Library System. Their vote was final and the dismantling is underway. Yet the board has offered no public explanation for its decision and has refused requests for clarification. Meanwhile, some individuals who support the dismantling continue to claim it is “to protect children,” though no evidence supports that claim.
Related Items
SCC student’s diligence, attention to detail lead to early cancer discovery
Reggae, soul at Lazy Hiker
Sylva ups its selfie game
Carden to discuss Christmas traditions
Government bodies have a legal duty to base decisions on facts, law and the public interest. Acting without explanation undermines transparency and violates the standards of responsible governance our mountain communities expect.
The dismantling is not complete. The system will remain in operation until June 30. The board can still reverse its decision.
Protecting our traditional mountain values means standing up for truth, education and lawful decision-making. Our libraries embody these values. They provide early literacy, internet access, educational support, safe gathering spaces and the knowledge that every child deserves a fair chance.
The board should reconsider its course and honor the mountain heritage that has guided our communities for generations. Preserving the Fontana Regional Library System is not only the right decision under the law. It is the right decision for our children, our families and the mountain values we hold dear.
Allen Lomax
Jackson County
