‘Free from obscene material’: Sumner Companies Commission debates books in libraries

GALLATIN, Tenn. (WTVF) – The Sumter County Commission began a debate Monday over who decides which books make it into school libraries.

At center stage was a resolution that would strongly encourage Sumter County school staff to ensure that school libraries are free of “obscene and provocative material” in alignment with state law.

Parent Rebecca Goddard said, “Who chooses the books? I want to know.” “Who picks up the books in our library? What’s the process? Who reads them? Who decides? How did the books with graphic sexual contact get to children?”

Tonight’s discussion comes after the Sumner County School Board voted to keep the book “A Place Inside of Me” on its shelves, a book about a young black boy who is troubled by a police shooting in his neighborhood.

“I can’t believe we’re still talking about this,” said Sumter County resident Cole Shepherd. “These are books that reflect the lives of the youth of this county and the citizens of this county.”

The Sumner County School Board will meet Tuesday night to discuss whether to put a different book, “Ways to Make Sunshine,” on its shelves.