LARGO, Fla. – State Rep. Berny Jacques is calling for immediate action from Largo’s mayor after alleging the Largo Public Library is indoctrinating children.
“Today I learned that the Largo Public Library is actively promoting radical gender and sexual ideology to children. Here is my letter to Mayor Brown. This must be corrected,” Jacques stated.
Jacques’ letter to Mayor Woody Brown included attached photos, but the images were not shared with the public.
“As the attached photos show, there are LGBTQIA+ picture books, trans and nonbinary pamphlets, pride flags, and sexual identity displays in youth areas. This is indoctrination,” he wrote.
Jacques argues in the letter that taxpayer-funded institutions, especially those serving children, should reflect the values of the community rather than act as platforms for what he described as “controversial social movements.”
“Parents have the sole right and responsibility to educate their children on these sensitive topics,” Jacques wrote. “Florida has recently eliminated this sort of indoctrination from our schools for this exact reason.”
The lawmaker made it clear that he would not support any state funding for the Largo Public Library unless the materials in question are removed from the children’s section. In addition, Jacques said he would oppose any future state appropriations to the city unless the library fully complies with his demands.
“Until this is fully corrected, I will not support any state funding for the Largo Public Library,” Jacques stated.
Jacques also pointed to a similar resolution introduced by Pinellas County Commissioner Vince Nowicki, which addresses similar concerns at the Palm Harbor Library saying, “Largo must do the same.”
Florida’s Voice reached out to Mayor Brown for comment. Brown said he reached out to Rep. Jacques and explained that the photos he was presented were not taken in the children’s area.
“The material in question is not accessible to children. I am working with our administration to assure that this is and continues to be the case. That said, I want to emphasize that the City of Largo is proud of our award-winning library and the diverse programs and services it provides,” Brown said.
“The library adheres to an established and comprehensive process for selecting materials and addressing concerns raised by our community. This process has successfully met the needs of our residents and aligns with our mission of superior services and ensuring equitable access to education, resources, and programming.”
Brown explained that the library’s materials selection policy takes into consideration several factors. Among them are books by popular demand, the community’s needs, accuracy, diversity, and artistic merit.
The library also has a formal process to submit feed back, which is reviewed by the Library Advocacy Board. The Board is composed of residents appointed by the City Commission and it Brown said it carefully evaluates these concerns and submits a recommendation to the library director.
“We value all feedback from our community and are committed to providing access to a wide range of resources that support the educational, cultural, and social needs of our residents,” Brown said.
“We are focused on reflecting the values of our community and creating a library that welcomes everyone, ensuring a place where all individuals feel respected, valued, and included.”
This story has been updated to include a response from Largo Mayor Woody Brown.