joncamfieldFeb 1, 2023
My Texas hometown privatized the public library and is having the local police review books, so, yeah. Yeah.
Show threadUnplanned LibrarianFeb 1, 2023
@joncamfield I’m so sorry. How did they privatize it? Is it fee based?
Show threadLosfromcpFeb 1, 2023

@deeann @joncamfield Probably the company referenced in this article. Library Systems & Services

https://inthepublicinterest.org/when-public-libraries-become-private-who-will-support-them

When public libraries become private, who will support them?

We all profit when public libraries stay public

In the Public Interest
Show threadTony Fleming

I'd like to know if this is the case. Speculation can be dangerous on such issues. Do we know if this is one of them?

@losfromcp @deeann @joncamfield

Feb 1, 2023 at 5:20amWeb
Show threadLosfromcpFeb 1, 2023

@tonyfleming @deeann @joncamfield someone else in the thread shared the link below, but didn't know if it (Huntsville, TX) was definitely OP's town.

https://bookriot.com/huntsville-public-library-privatization/

Huntsville Public Library (TX) Privatized After Pride Display

Huntsville Public Library in Texas becomes privatized following the city manager's disapproval of two book displays.

BOOK RIOT
Show threadGeorgeCarlinWasRightFeb 1, 2023
@losfromcp @tonyfleming @deeann @joncamfield
Texas, working it's ass off to keep up with Florida as the most redneck bigoted place in the country.
Show threadAlexander KarnFeb 2, 2023
@losfromcp @tonyfleming @deeann @joncamfield Important to note that the vote to privatize came in the wake of the library’s decision to arrange an LGBTQ Pride display. IOW, it was punitive anti-LGBTQ politics.
Show threadTony FlemingFeb 2, 2023

@losfromcp @deeann @joncamfield

Thanks. From what I have read, LS&S just does what the town council wants. I don't agree with the privatization of any public institution, but this seems like the council will get to dictate library policy indirectly, telling LS&S what policies it wants, but then can turn around and blame LS&S for them.

I'd like to understand this issue more.