"Controversial Children's Books Threaten Virginia Library's Funding and Future"
The Samuels Public Library in Warren County, Virginia, is facing potential closure due to a funding dispute over children's books featuring LGBTQ characters. The county's Board of Supervisors voted to withhold 75% of its appropriation to the library unless the library board revises its bylaws to give the county more control. The library, which relies on county funding, is set to run out of operating funds by the end of the month. A community group called "Clean Up Samuels" has led the charge for change, filing hundreds of complaints about specific books. Another group, "Save Samuels," defends the library and opposes censorship of LGBTQ books. Discussions are ongoing to resolve the dispute.