A concerned mom contacted the Alaska Watchman the other day to inform us that the Anchorage Loussac Library was prominently displaying a children’s picture book that promotes transgender fluidity to young kids.

The book, “Jack (Not Jackie),” sat atop a row of kid’s books on the second floor of the library, a level dedicated to youth.

Aimed at indoctrinating young children into accept transgender ideology, the book was published through a partnership between Bonner Publishing and the radical LGBTQ activist organization GLAAD. According to the GLAAD website the book seeks to frame LGBTQ gender identities in a positive light, and a portion of the book’s proceeds goes to advance GLADDS efforts to normalize gender queer ideology.

In a Jan. 4 stop at the Loussac, the Watchman verified that at least two copies of the book are available at the publicly funded library. The book relays how an older sister, Susan, comes to terms with the fact that her little sister Jackie identifies as a boy. After initially grappling with Jackie’s predicament, Susan ultimately supports her sister’s gender confusion, which includes dressing, acting and presenting as a boy. The fictional parents in the book encourage and facilitate little Jackie’s transition, buying her boy’s clothes and cutting her hair so she appears as a male.

This is not the only book that openly pushes transgender narratives on impressionable Anchorage children. A brief browse through the youth section revealed several other books that serve as thinly veiled propaganda for some of the most radical elements of the LGBTQ agenda. “Jacob’s Room to Choose,”  tells the story of how two gender confused young children get their entire class to support their desire to use the bathrooms of the opposite sex. Another book, “Jacob’s New Dress,” tells the story of how a young cross-dressing boy dons a pink dress and pretends he is a princess. Jacob’s mom later helps her son make a dress to wear to school, a decision that is wholeheartedly supported by his teacher.

Many other LGBTQ books are deliberately planted throughout the library’s children and teen sections where youth can easily access them. This is by design.

According to guidelines from the American Library Association, of which nearly every public library across the nation is a member, librarians are encouraged to seamlessly weave LGBTQ literature into the mainstream collections in order to make the books more widely impactful on the general public.

For the past decade, the Loussac Library has aggressively pushed LGBTQ propaganda to children. Former library director Mary Jo Torgeson helped pioneer Drag Queen Story Hour for toddlers and teens, and the library has been an annual sponsor of the city’s gay pride parade.

Torgeson also expanded LGBTQ books, clubs and activism. Additionally, she turned the five libraries run by the municipality into local epicenters against so-called systemic racism, white privilege and social inequity. The library network took steps to reeducate and reform its staff and rework its collections to better reflect what Torgeson considered properly “equitable, diverse and inclusive” libraries.

Torgeson stepped down in April 2021, but left behind a staff of radical LGBTQ activists hired under her supervision to fill key library positions – overseeing youth programming, book selections and event coordination. Many of these employees continue to wield sizable influence.

Late last year, however, Anchorage’s newly elected Mayor Dave Bronson sought to replace Torgeson with a more conservative minded library director. His first choice, Sami Graham, was rejected by the hard-left majority on the Anchorage Assembly, which must approve all director posts. Next, Bronson appointed well-known conservative, Judy Eledge. She, too, was publicly criticized by Assembly members. Before they had a chance to reject her nomination, Eledge withdrew her name from consideration.

Mayor Bronson then named Eledge as “deputy library director,” a post that does not require the Assembly’s approval. She is essentially serving as the “acting” library director. As such, she now oversees library personnel and operations.

Eledge, however, has inherited a staff which is deeply allied with LGBTQ activists and intent on pushing these ideas on area youth and their parents. It will take time, unwavering determination and strong public support to change the culture and collections at the Loussac Library. Below are some concrete steps concerned Anchorage residents can take to help in this effort.

TAKING ACTION

— To object to a specific books, library patrons may fill out a “Request for Reconsideration” form  available at all locations and on the library web site. The collections manager will review the request and issue a written reply within 14 days regarding the library’s position and any actions taken. This decision may be appealed to the library director who has 14 days to provide a written decision. A final appeal can be made to the Library Advisory Board, which has final say.

— Click here to check out volunteer opportunities at the library.

— The terms of five Library Advisory Board members will expire on Oct. 22. To apply to serve on the board, click here.

— To provide feedback to the Library Advisory Board, email apl@anchorageak.gov with “Attention Library Advisory Board” in the subject line.

— Click here to suggest specific books the library should purchase for its collection. The Library Advisory Board must approve the final decision.

— Click here for information on how to donate books to the library. The Library Advisory Board must approve the final decision.

— For more information, contact Deputy Director of Library Services Judy Eledge at judy.eledge@anchorageak.gov or 907-343-2892.

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