A book banning library in Iowa closes temporarily

There has been a brief shutdown of the Iowa library due to a national debate over LGBTQ-themed books.

A part-time staff will reopen the Vinton Public Library on Monday after interim library director Colton Neely resigned.

[{"selector":"#anim-9058c6cd-081c-453c-a350-356eea7ad338 [data-leaf-element=\"true\"]","keyframes":{"transform":["translate3d(24.999999544902902%, 0, 0)","translate3d(0%, 0, 0)"]},"delay":0,"duration":9000,"easing":"cubic-bezier(.3,0,.55,1)","fill":"both"}]

In June, Neely accepted the position after former director Renee Greenlee resigned after six months.

[{"selector":"#anim-ad6b1744-1130-4354-8eaa-ef6140642850 [data-leaf-element=\"true\"]","keyframes":{"transform":["translate3d(33.787348585750806%, 0, 0)","translate3d(0%, 0, 0)"]},"delay":0,"duration":9000,"easing":"cubic-bezier(.3,0,.55,1)","fill":"both"}]

Some critics accused her of pushing partisan agendas against LGBTQ employees and certain books in the library.

[{"selector":"#anim-6df56a58-4369-4f82-95f2-2e42749c6d80 [data-leaf-element=\"true\"]","keyframes":{"transform":["translate3d(-34.76151305998898%, 0, 0)","translate3d(0%, 0, 0)"]},"delay":0,"duration":9000,"easing":"cubic-bezier(.3,0,.55,1)","fill":"both"}]

After Greenlee and Neely resigned, a national debate erupted over what books should be available.

[{"selector":"#anim-6175bac0-c9a0-4f77-bf6e-6f388857d339 [data-leaf-element=\"true\"]","keyframes":{"transform":["translate3d(57.43845723369518%, 0, 0)","translate3d(0%, 0, 0)"]},"delay":0,"duration":9000,"easing":"cubic-bezier(.3,0,.55,1)","fill":"both"}]

American Library Association (ALA) keeps track of challenges and bans across the country.

[{"selector":"#anim-57a2839b-8c05-4a51-a115-d2a18501b833 [data-leaf-element=\"true\"]","keyframes":{"transform":["translate3d(-45.84090897734168%, 0, 0)","translate3d(0%, 0, 0)"]},"delay":0,"duration":9000,"easing":"cubic-bezier(.3,0,.55,1)","fill":"both"}]

The ALA recorded 729 book challenges targeting 1,597 titles in 2021, more than twice 2020's figures.

[{"selector":"#anim-caf4e778-e75d-484b-8ae3-899daa4b309a [data-leaf-element=\"true\"]","keyframes":{"transform":["translate3d(37.08992335567153%, 0, 0)","translate3d(0%, 0, 0)"]},"delay":0,"duration":9000,"easing":"cubic-bezier(.3,0,.55,1)","fill":"both"}]

According to PEN America research, one in three books restricted by schools in the past year featured LGBTQ themes.

[{"selector":"#anim-0c9e1521-4213-46bd-be7c-8ba53679e1d7 [data-leaf-element=\"true\"]","keyframes":{"transform":["translate(-1.0658141036401503e-14%, 0%) scale(1.5)","translate(0%, 0%) scale(1)"]},"delay":0,"duration":8000,"easing":"cubic-bezier(.3,0,.55,1)","fill":"forwards"}]

In our search for a director, we hope to find someone who will meet the needs of the library and the community." Kelly said.

[{"selector":"#anim-0f49aeff-676e-43e7-96e0-e3f5e3862e4b [data-leaf-element=\"true\"]","keyframes":{"transform":["translate3d(32.65309544576749%, 0, 0)","translate3d(0%, 0, 0)"]},"delay":0,"duration":9000,"easing":"cubic-bezier(.3,0,.55,1)","fill":"both"}] White Frame Corner