Clock is ticking on Huntington Beach library initiatives

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.

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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.

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.