The display of a book deemed ‘trans-inclusive’ at a South Georgia public library ended with the termination of the library branch manager.
The story was first reported by RoughDraft Atlanta, in which the outlet reported that Lavonnia Moore, who worked at the Pierce County Library in south Georgia, was fired because of a children’s book display.
Moore, a fifteen-year library employee, says she was called in on her day off – June 18- to be fired. She said a summer reading program display themed “Color Our World”, instituted by volunteers, featured “When Aiden Became a Brother.”
From the Amazon product description:
When Aidan Became a Brother is a heartwarming book that will resonate with transgender children, reassure any child concerned about becoming an older sibling, and celebrate the many transitions a family can experience.
When Aidan was born, everyone thought he was a girl. His parents gave him a pretty name, his room looked like a girl’s room, and he wore clothes that other girls liked wearing. After he realized he was a trans boy, Aidan and his parents fixed the parts of life that didn’t fit anymore, and he settled happily into his new life.
Then Mom and Dad announce that they’re going to have another baby, and Aidan wants to do everything he can to make things right for his new sibling from the beginning–from choosing the perfect name to creating a beautiful room to picking out the cutest onesie. But what does “making things right” actually mean? And what happens if he messes up? With a little help, Aidan comes to understand that mistakes can be fixed with honesty and communication, and that he already knows the most important thing about being a big brother: how to love with his whole self.
The book sparked outrage and the eventual involvement of The Alliance for Faith and Family, calling for Moore’s termination. The organization’s website states the entity is ” a group of citizens dedicated to promoting and defending faith and family in our communities.”
Moore said her separation paperwork listed “Poor decision making” and the fact that she is an at-will employee.
“I didn’t create the display myself. I simply supported community involvement, just as I have for other volunteer-led displays. That’s what librarians do—we create space for everybody. Libraries are one of the very few public spaces left for everybody. We empower voices. We make room for the whole community. I did not tell the parents and children what they could or could not add to the display, just as I do not tell them what they can or cannot read. That is not how libraries—or democracies—work.
“That book still exists in the collection—because it belongs there. It reflects real families. Real kids. Real love. Although I did not choose the book myself, I stand ten toes down on this truth: The library is a public space. All community members should feel welcome inside it and have equal access to its resources.”
Moore created a GoFundMe, initially seeking $3,500 for “legal fees and life,” but has since increased the fundraising goal to $16,000. As of July 8, she had raised $14,699 form 351 donors.
According to The Alliance for Faith and Family, the book has been removed from the display.
