With our free press under threat and federal funding for public media gone, your support matters more than ever. Help keep the LAist newsroom strong, become a monthly member or increase your support today.
Clock is ticking on Huntington Beach library initiatives
The children's section of the Huntington Beach Central Library.
(
Jill Replogle
/
LAist
)
The Huntington Beach City Council this week ordered studies of two citizens’ initiatives regarding the city’s public libraries, the latest development in the long-running saga over the content of children's books.
Their action pushes the vote on whether and when to put the initiatives on the ballot into February.
Here's why that matters
The libraries have been a center of controversy since staunch conservatives gained control of city government. But Huntington Beach is not alone. In communities across the country, libraries have become a battleground in the so-called culture wars.
Sponsored message
-
Critics say the current state-approved housing plan will make the city overcrowded. -
The vote isn't certified yet, but a lot has happened since Election Day. -
The 4.1-mile service between Garden Grove and Santa Ana has been beset by delays.
The backstory
The Huntington Beach City Council voted in late 2023 to establish a board of local parents and guardians to review children’s books for the city’s public libraries — and weed out ones they determine to have inappropriate content. And last year, the council considered outsourcing library operations to a private company.
What was the response?
Opponents mounted petition drives to repeal the review board and change the city’s charter to prohibit privatizing the libraries. In December, both initiatives qualified for a future ballot. That meant the council had a decision to make.
Why is this coming up now?
The council voted, 6-0, Tuesday night, with one member absent, to have city staff study the initiatives and write a report on how they would affect the city.
Sponsored message
What’s next?
The reports are due within 30 days and will be presented to the City Council at its meeting Feb. 18. At that time, the council will have to vote on whether and when to put the initiatives on the ballot. They could also adopt the citizens’ initiatives outright, meaning they’d have to change the city’s charter and repeal the book review board.
How you can get involved
- Huntington Beach holds City Council meetings on the first and third Tuesday of each month at 6 p.m. at City Hall, 2000 Main St.
- You can also watch council meetings remotely on HBTV via Channel 3 or online, or via the city’s website. (You can also find videos of previous council meetings there).
- The public comment period happens toward the beginning of meetings.
- The city generally posts agendas for city council meetings on the previous Friday. You can find the agenda on the city’s calendar or sign up there to have agendas sent to your inbox.
At LAist, we believe in journalism without censorship and the right of a free press to speak truth to those in power. Our hard-hitting watchdog reporting on local government, climate, and the ongoing housing and homelessness crisis is trustworthy, independent and freely accessible to everyone thanks to the support of readers like you.
But the game has changed: Congress voted to eliminate funding for public media across the country. Here at LAist that means a loss of $1.7 million in our budget every year. We want to assure you that despite growing threats to free press and free speech, LAist will remain a voice you know and trust. Speaking frankly, the amount of reader support we receive will help determine how strong of a newsroom we are going forward to cover the important news in our community.
We’re asking you to stand up for independent reporting that will not be silenced. With more individuals like you supporting this public service, we can continue to provide essential coverage for Southern Californians that you can’t find anywhere else. Become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission.
Thank you for your generous support and belief in the value of independent news.
But the game has changed: Congress voted to eliminate funding for public media across the country. Here at LAist that means a loss of $1.7 million in our budget every year. We want to assure you that despite growing threats to free press and free speech, LAist will remain a voice you know and trust. Speaking frankly, the amount of reader support we receive will help determine how strong of a newsroom we are going forward to cover the important news in our community.
We’re asking you to stand up for independent reporting that will not be silenced. With more individuals like you supporting this public service, we can continue to provide essential coverage for Southern Californians that you can’t find anywhere else. Become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission.
Thank you for your generous support and belief in the value of independent news.
Senior Vice President News, Editor in Chief
