Smithtown library finally makes right call on Pride display

The controversy that embroiled the Smithtown Library district last week over its children's room Pride displays was an ugly example of what happens when impulsive decisions are made without community involvement and professional input, or enough thought about consequences.

Without any warning or indication the subject was going to be discussed, the library's board of trustees voted Tuesday night to remove a Pride display in the children's rooms that featured signs and books about such things as a puppy who gets lost during a Pride parade and a boy who likes to wear things that sparkle. The resolution wasn't listed on the board's meeting agenda, leaving the public in the dark until a confusing internal memo was leaked the next day.

The troubling decision and failure to follow a proper process created a mess, outraging many in the community and mobilizing a broad pool of elected officials and advocates. The statewide outcry included Smithtown residents, LGBTQ advocates, progressive groups, umbrella library associations, and even author Jodi Picoult, a former Smithtown Library employee. Gov. Kathy Hochul directed the start of a human rights investigation.

By Thursday night, the trustees rescinded their decision by a 4-2 vote with one abstention, during a hastily called emergency board meeting over Zoom that 1,000 people attended — the maximum the room would hold.

Returning the displays to the children's rooms was the right decision, a move that embraced tolerance and acceptance. But the notion that it came only after a massive public response shows just how badly the board handled this issue. Public libraries are supposed to be dedicated to intellectual freedom, open communication and the availability of information.

In a statement, the board admitted its initial move was "wrong" and indicated that in the future it would get input from residents, librarians and others before making important decisions. That's key. The board has the right to make policy it believes is best for the library. It should hear from all residents and library professionals as it decides the age-appropriateness of books on sexuality and gender. This particular board has clear divisions; three members were elected last year in a bitter fight that involved outside political groups focused on culture wars.

To be clear, no books were banned and none were removed even by the original decision. But a public Pride display serves greater purposes, by recognizing and celebrating the LGBTQ community and providing support for children who are part of that community, while promoting a welcome, open environment and discouraging bullying, both key to building an inclusive community for all children.

As a result of the controversy, library officials extended the Pride display for another three weeks, until July 15. It's a time for residents to embrace the opportunity, learn from one another and from their libraries, and encourage their children to do the same.