Editor’s note: This article was corrected to clarify that the Mat-Su Library Board is distinct and separate in function from the Library Citizens’ Advisory Committee. We regret the error.

The ongoing battle over sexually explicit books in Mat-Su Borough Libraries is expected to spill over at the Assembly Chambers on Dec. 2, where the Mat-Su Library Board Vice Chairman Kathy Kysar is expected to defend local libraries with a glowing report.

Kysar has been urging people to turn out for the meeting and use the public testimony time to voice opposition before the Assembly about the ongoing work of the separate Library Citizens’ Advisory Committee to reign in libraries by relocating or removing sexually explicit books that are accessible to children.

Kysar has publicly denounced these efforts, characterizing them as “censorship” and “book banings.”

Concerned parents and others, however, are rallying their side to defend the need to remove or relocate certain sexually explicit books located in the children’s sections.

Kysar, whose three-year term on the nine-member Library Board expires at the end of the year is among several applicants looking to re-up for another three years. Many parents, however, do not want her guiding the future of local libraries.

At the Dec. 2 meeting, the Borough Assembly will not be confirming any new members to the Library Board. In order for the assembly to confirm someone, Borough Mayor Edna DeVries must first nominate them for consideration. She has not submitted any new nominations for Dec. 2, although there are several expiring seats, which will likely be filled in the coming weeks.

During the Nov. 18 meeting, the assembly did confirm two new mayoral appointees – Marty Kincaid and Julie Endle. Their terms on the Library Board begin Jan. 1, 2026.

The Library Board advises the Borough Manager and Assembly on library operations, policies, and long-term planning. It reviews budgets, recommends new programs and ordinances, and explores ways to improve library services across the borough’s five public libraries in Big Lake, Sutton, Talkeetna, Trapper Creek and Willow). It is separate from the Library Citizens’ Advisory Committee, which was established in 2024 specifically to deal with controversial books. The two bodies are often at odds.

To date, the work of the citizens’ advisory committee has resulted in only six books being moved out of the children’s section of local libraries and reshelved to adult sections. No books have been removed entirely from any borough library.

Nevertheless, the citizen’s advisory committee has been the subject of heated debate since its inception, as well as the target of repeated criticism from the Library Board Vice Chairman Kysar.

On the other side, concerned parents have pointed out that the children’s sections of certain borough libraries still contain sexually explicit books that include graphic depiction of sexual acts, descriptions of masturbation and inappropriate exploration of various LGBTQ sexual identities.

Parents have noted that these books are readily accessible to their children, and in some cases are even highlighted by librarians in special displays. Even books that have been reshelved to adult sections are problematic for many, as children can use their library cards to check out books from any section of the library. Some concerned citizens have suggested flagging certain adult‑section books so that juvenile cards cannot be used to check them out.

Those defending the libraires claim that concerned citizens are simply trying to “censor” books, while parental rights advocates argue that they are only pointing out that certain books may violate obscenity laws against exposing children to graphic sexualized material. They also maintain that borough librarians should not have unchecked power to spend taxpayer dollars on whatever books they personally feel are acceptable for children.

The Dec. 2 borough assembly meeting is expected to include advocates on both sides of the issue.

TAKING ACTION

— The Dec. 2 Borough Assembly meeting will begin at 6 p.m. in the Borough Building’s Assembly Chambers (350 E. Dahlia Avenue). Click here for the agenda and details on how to testify during the public comment period.

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