At the November 14, 2024 Sarasota County Commission meeting, an overcapacity crowd attended in support of retaining membership in the American Library Association and the Florida Library Association and against attempts to restrict books.

One hundred handheld signs read “Don’t Ban Books!” and “Support ALA, FLA!” The Chair told people they couldn’t hold them up. More than 1,000 petition signatures supporting ALA and FLA funding were presented.

The commissioners’ office previously stated that since the memberships were a discussion item, a vote wouldn’t occur that day.

Sixty people spoke in support of the library memberships and against restricting books. A handful spoke in opposition, including several who sought book restrictions in Sarasota schools.

It was pointed out that library collections present many sides of issues and that mothers and fathers are responsible for parenting their children.

It’s disingenuous to say this has nothing to do with book banning; Florida’s become infamous for it! In the end, the commissioners voted 4-1 to stop funding ALA and FLA memberships.

Sarasota Herald-Tribune November 14, 2024