Last 48: Maricopa Library Card Unlocks LGBTQ Film Talks Accessible by Children
SCOOP: Books have been on parents radar but with a library card children can access adult films and a live LGBTQ film discussion group that parents may deem inappropriate
In case you missed it, here’s a quick background into the explicit book controversy.
The Maricopa County Library District (MCLD) — the largest U.S. public library system by population served, with 15 branches and nearly 20.9 million items in its collection — finds itself at the center of a heated debate over allegedly “inappropriate” books available in youth sections.
Earlier this summer, parent-advocacy organizations such as AZ Women of Action (AZWOA) and EZAZ spearheaded efforts to spotlight what they describe as sexually explicit and graphic titles placed within reach of children.
At issue are titles such as It’s Perfectly Normal by Robie H. Harris, This Book Is Gay by Juno Dawson, and several novels by Ellen Hopkins, which critics say contain graphic sexual content. Parents and advocacy groups argue that placing these works in children’s or teen sections makes them accessible to minors in ways that could be unlawful under Arizona law.
Arizona Revised Statutes § 13-3506 (Furnishing Harmful Items to Minors) makes it a Class 4 felony for any person who “recklessly furnish[es], present[s], provide[s], make[s] available, give[s], lend[s], show[s], advertise[s] or distribute[s] to minors any item that is harmful to minors.”
Arizona Revised Statutes § 13-3507 (Public Display of Explicit Sexual Material) makes it a Class 6 felony to “knowingly place explicit sexual material upon public display or knowingly fail to take prompt action to remove such a display” once aware of it.
Under A.R.S. § 13-3501, “harmful to minors” is defined as material that:
To the average adult, applying contemporary state standards, appeals to the prurient interest in sex of minors;
Is patently offensive to prevailing adult community standards regarding what is suitable material for minors; and
When taken as a whole, is lacking serious literary, artistic, political, or scientific value for minors.
“Explicit sexual material” includes any written, pictorial, or three-dimensional work that depicts or describes nudity, sexual activity, or sadomasochistic abuse, and is deemed harmful to minors.
Critics argue that by shelving books with graphic sexual descriptions in youth sections, MCLD may be “furnishing” or “publicly displaying” harmful items in violation of these laws. Groups point to passages from This Book Is Gay that provide explicit descriptions of sex acts and instructions on adult websites, and to It’s Perfectly Normal, which includes detailed illustrations of sexual activity.
From this perspective, parents argue that libraries are not merely neutral places of information, but active distributors when they place such material directly in children’s reach. Under ARS 13-3506, the act of allowing a minor to check out such a book could qualify as “making available” harmful material. Likewise, under ARS 13-3507, keeping sexually explicit works on open shelves in youth sections could be considered a “public display.”
Library Officials Push Back: MCLD officials and free speech advocates counter that these statutes were not designed to criminalize librarians, nor to restrict access to works with legitimate educational or literary merit. They argue that all challenged titles have been reviewed and are nationally recognized resources, often recommended by professional library associations.
To address parent concerns, the Maricopa County Board of Supervisors recently approved a pilot “Parental Choice” program at the Queen Creek Library. This allows parents to submit in writing specific titles they do not want their children to access. Those restrictions are then linked to the child’s library card. Supporters say this respects parental rights without engaging in outright censorship. Opponents warn that this shifts burdens onto library staff and threatens the principle of intellectual freedom.
Board of Supervisors Chair Thomas Galvin was quick to tout on social media that this issue has long been a priority for him — a claim that likely came as a surprise to the many grassroots citizens who pack the BOS meetings month after month.
The clash over MCLD’s book policies is more than a local library fight — it’s a test of how Arizona’s obscenity laws interact with First Amendment protections and parental rights. If critics succeed in pressing legal challenges under ARS 13-3506 and ARS 13-3507, libraries statewide could face new restrictions on youth materials.
For now, the debate highlights a fundamental tension: whether public libraries should prioritize broad access to ideas or strict safeguards against exposing minors to sexual content.
The hidden danger not being discussed is with nothing more than a library card, children can stream LGBTQ films online and join monthly discussions — all without parental oversight or proper safeguards.
GROK: Believes that the Maricopa County Library Card should come with a warning label to parents.
State 48 News received a local tip that the Phoenix Public Library may be exposing kids to explicit material in other ways. Parents may be unaware that with a library card, children may access material and discussions inappropriate for minors and parental approval is NOT required.
In June, State 48 received the Burton Barr Central Library brochure and assumed it was simply a Pride Month anomaly — packed with LGBTQ facts and history to mark the occasion.
In the “About Arizona” section, the newsletter highlights LGBTQ history, noting the state’s first gay bar and the statistic that 4.12% of Arizonans identify as LGBTQ. It also spotlights BJ Bud, a local lesbian activist, and an early gay newspaper. Devoting two full columns on the second page is a significant gesture for PRIDE month.
But beyond the brochure, a look at the Central Library’s online offerings reveals something more — an ongoing LGBTQ film review and discussion series.
State 48 registered for the film chat hosted by the Phoenix branch and found that nothing more was required than a name, which can be fabricated as we tested, and an email address. At no point was age ever verified, meaning children can gain access just as easily as adults.
The Phoenix library promotes the program with upbeat language, inviting anyone to “join us for the LGBTQ monthly film discussion series” and watch the film through its Kanopy streaming service. Each session encourages an LGBTQ-themed film, share stories, and “have an honest conversation about the tough issues faced by the LGBTQ community.”
The description warns that films may include “adult content and mature themes” and that viewer discretion is advised. But advised is not enforced. There are no safeguards, no age verification, and no parental controls. A child with nothing more than a library card can log in and participate.
The program is sponsored by the Phoenix LGBTQ Employee Alliance in partnership with Burton Barr Central Library. Using taxpayer resources, the series is promoted as an educational and artistic showcase of LGBTQ filmmakers and stories, offering viewers an opportunity to “experience the challenges and triumphs firsthand.” What is not highlighted is that the same taxpayer-funded access is wide open to minors, with parents left completely in the dark.
The library also directs participants to stream the featured films through Kanopy using their library card. To test the safeguards, we used a minor’s library card to log into the site. Immediately, a wide selection of adult-themed and LGBTQ films opened up. Kanopy does include a simple “check the box” prompt to confirm you are over 18 — but that low bar is no real barrier for a determined child.
While the Maricopa County Library advertises “parental choice,” in practice the safeguards are minimal. Parents may block a single book or DVD title, but they cannot restrict categories, themes, or entire platforms.
Meanwhile, with nothing more than a library card, minors can log into Kanopy and instantly stream adult and LGBTQ films. The only safeguard is a simple “check the box” prompt claiming the viewer is over 18 — a barrier any child can bypass. Parents are left believing oversight exists, while the library system, funded by taxpayers, quietly enables minors to access mature content without their knowledge.
Editor update: Phoenix Public Library and Maricopa County Library are separate systems, but with a Maricopa County library card, users can access everything promoted by Phoenix Libraries. That means minors holding a Maricopa card can log in and stream the adult and LGBTQ films promoted by Burton Barr Central Library, with no real safeguards in place
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