Library Advisory Board Minutes - 04/15/2025 LIBRARY ADVISORY BOARD MINUTES
April 15, 2025
MEMBERS PRESENT:
Amy Bobrowitz
Zachary Carlton
Marianne Dowdy
Kristen Garrison
Daniel Juarez
Betty Richie
MEMBERS ABSENT:
Rhonda McClung
Shunta McFadden
Aston Pecor
EX-OFFICIO MEMBERS PRESENT:
Andrew Jelen
EX-OFFICIO MEMBERS ABSENT:
Robert Brooks
Alan Martin
Board President Daniel Juarez called the meeting to order at 4:38 PM. The Board unanimously
approved the minutes from March 2025 without additions or corrections.
The Board members all participated in a discussion about the subject of the Library Materials
Patron Complaint Form received last month: the book Sex and Babies: First Facts by Jane
Annunziata, published by Magination Press in 2003.
Ms. Bobrowitz pointed out that parents need to talk to their children about what the children
are reading. She thought the book had valuable information and was similar to a book she was
given as a child. She also noted that children have access to misinformation about human
reproduction, so it is good to have a book with correct information.
Several members noted the informative, but not graphic style of the illustrations. Mr. Juarez
told the meeting that he had researched the illustrator, Denise Ortakales, and that she had
purposefully created the illustrations that way.
Mr. Juarez brought up the idea that by puberty it is too late for a straightforward presentation
of the facts of sex and human reproduction. He said that children need to have this information
before their bodies start changing. Mr.Juarez also noted that the age of the book's audience is
given and explained on the back cover.
Mr. Carlton brought up the fact that the author's provide a note to the reader at the beginning
of the book, which includes directions to talk to a trusted adult in they are worried about what
they've read.
Ms. Dowdy thought it was a loving book. She also pointed out that human reproduction is
presented in the book as part of a marriage relationship between a man and a woman.
Dr. Garrison thought the book was completely age appropriate.
Several members brought up the biological approach the author takes on the material.
There was a specific discussion by all members present of the conservative feel of the book,
such as how the author and illustrator presented the materials, the specific subjects covered (or
not covered), and the perspectives of the book.
Members asked Mr.Jelen some questions about library collection development in specific
subjects for the children's nonfiction collection. Mr.Jelen also noted that more recently
published children's books on human sexuality are broader than Sex and Babies, covering topics
such as consent and gender, as usually have a sociological perspective rather than a biological
one.
After the discussion was complete, the Board voted unanimously to keep the book in its current
collection.
The Board voted unanimously to meet next on Tuesday,June 17, 20025 at 4:30 PM.
There being no further business, the Board voted unanimously to adjourn at 5:14 PM.
Signature:
D niel Juarez, C atr son