Speakers object to library display policy
A proposed policy that would restrict Juneau Public Libraries' display cases to library use only drew unanimous opposition from patrons at a Friends of the Library meeting Tuesday.
But the current policy, which allows the public to co-sponsor library displays, didn't win much support, either.
Under a new draft policy, outside groups would not be allowed to sponsor exhibits, but could give the library materials to mount for a display. About 20 people attended Tuesday's meeting.
As the capital of Alaska, Juneau should not "run from discussions," library user John Symons said. At least one library display case could be set aside as a speakers' corner where people could express opinions, he suggested.
"The issue, and maybe this is unfair, is that controversy is to be avoided," he said. "I personally don't think that controversy is bad."
Giving women the right to vote and abolishing slavery were controversial at one point in this country's history, Symons said.
The library's policy change comes after a summer dispute stemming from a display celebrating Gay Pride Month co-sponsored by the Juneau chapter of the group Parents, Family and Friends of Lesbians and Gays. Artist Chris Beanes, who helped design an early version of the display, said the library muffled and censored his ideas.
"The (draft) policy doesn't celebrate diversity ... it doesn't challenge you; it seeks to control," he said. "This is not the step Juneau wants to take. This is a step backwards. It's regressive."
Dixie Hood, who also helped design the original PFLAG exhibit, said the library's co-sponsorship policy amounts to "de facto censorship." But she also opposed the new policy, calling it fear-based. Hood suggested the city create an independent library board to hear appeals and make recommendations about controversial issues.
Paul Grant, who spoke on behalf of the Alaska Civil Liberties Union, said the proposed policy is the wrong response to the controversy. Groups interested in the issue would be happy to draft another policy that might better address public access to the display cases, he added.
"Our response to speech you don't like is more speech," he said. "If you're concerned about space, build more display cases."
Library Director Carol McCabe, who issued the proposed policy, said people can choose whether to read a book or view a video in the library's collection, but don't have a choice of whether to look at display cases in the library's entryway.
"Our collection is open and we regularly go to the mat to defend against all sorts of censorship. Our meeting rooms are open and we don't regulate content or speech," she said at the beginning of the meeting. "However, our library cases are totally visible. ... An individual has no choice in whether they participate."
John Dunker said he was sympathetic to a desire by staff members to make the library comfortable, but stressed that the community needs to guard its public space.
"We have to defend it in a sense that makes it truly public," he said. "Public space is challenging, interesting and sometimes scary. But we can handle it and we can teach our children to handle it."
The nonprofit Friends of the Library board will make a recommendation about the policy to the library director and the city manager. McCabe said she hasn't made a final decision about the issue.
"I truly am open to your comments," she said.
The library is accepting written comments on the draft policy through Nov. 30. A copy of the policy is available at www.juneau.org/library and comments can be sent by e-mail to webmaster@juneau.org with the words "display policy" in the subject line.
Joanna Markell can be reached at joannam@juneauempire.com.