Book Challenges, the First Amendment, and the Role of Public Libraries

A Community Conversation with Kent District Library Director Lance Werner

At a recent Indivisible Greater Grand Rapids gathering, members welcomed Lance Werner, Director of the Kent District Library (KDL), for a detailed presentation on book challenges, intellectual freedom, and the legal responsibilities of public libraries. Werner, an attorney and long-time library leader, shared how libraries navigate censorship efforts and why community involvement remains essential.

Why Book Challenges Matter

Werner emphasized that book challenges are not new — they have existed as long as libraries themselves. What has changed in recent years is the volume and political organizing behind challenges, particularly since the COVID era. Many recent challenges, he noted, have targeted LGBTQIA+ content using claims of “pornography” or “adult content.”

Werner framed the current moment as a First Amendment issue, stating clearly that the right to read is constitutionally protected. Once access to ideas is restricted, he warned, other civil liberties are at risk.

How Book Challenges Work at Kent District Library

When a book is formally challenged at KDL:

• The challenger must submit a written request for each specific title

• The library evaluates the claim using the Miller Test, the legal standard for obscenity

• A book can be considered legally obscene only if all three parts of the test are met:

  1. It appeals to prurient interest using community standards

  2. It depicts sexual conduct in a patently offensive way

  3. It lacks serious literary, artistic, political, or scientific value

Werner explained that KDL purchases books through established vendors and professional review sources, making it extremely unlikely for truly obscene material to enter the collection. Reviews from journals and literary authorities generally satisfy the test for educational and literary value.

The Library as “The People’s House”

Werner described the public library as “the big table” where everyone in the community has a seat. The library’s responsibility, he said, is to reflect the full diversity of the community — including race, family structure, religion, identity, and life experience — whether or not every individual agrees with every book on the shelf.

He also clarified how books end up in branches:

• Purchases are based on what people request and what circulates

• Shelf space is limited, so books remain available because people are checking them out

• Claims that “no one wants these books” are often contradicted by actual circulation data

Political Pressure and Censorship Trends

Werner noted that many organized book challenges are driven by both ideological belief and political strategy. In some cases, individuals pushing censorship have also sought local office, using book challenges as a political platform.

While he reported that LGBTQIA+-focused challenges have decreased in Michigan public libraries recently, challenges still occur for other reasons, including violence or age-appropriateness. He also acknowledged that self-censorship is occurring in some school libraries, though not at KDL.

The Difference Between Public Libraries and Schools

Werner explained an important legal distinction:

• Schools are required to act in loco parentis (in place of parents)

• Public libraries serve the entire community and are not responsible for supervising children’s reading choices

Parents, he emphasized, remain responsible for guiding their own children’s access — not restricting access for everyone else.

What Community Members Can Do

Werner offered clear guidance for how residents can protect access to information:

• Attend municipal and library board meetings

• Join local Friends of the Library groups

• Monitor meeting agendas when book challenges are expected

• Ask candidates directly about their positions on:

  • Book banning

  • First Amendment protections

  • Public library independence

He stressed that civic participation is the strongest safeguard against censorship, reminding attendees that “bad things happen in quiet places.”

Legislative Activity

Werner also addressed House Bill 4250, related to book challenge procedures, noting that it has stalled in the Michigan Senate. He continues to work with state and national advocacy groups, including Freedom to Read organizations and publishing partners, to strengthen statewide protections.

A Non-Partisan Principle

Werner emphasized that intellectual freedom applies broadly. KDL carries books across the ideological spectrum, including titles some community members strongly disagree with. The library does not endorse the content — it protects access to it.

Closing Message

Werner closed with a call for continued civic engagement, accountability from elected officials, and persistent defense of constitutional freedoms. He urged attendees to stay involved, stay informed, and show up when access to information is challenged.

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Listen to the full presentation and discussion below.

This conversation offers important insight into how book challenges affect public institutions — and how community members can help protect the freedom to read.