Call to Action!! A New Library Policy is on the Agenda!

3/26/2024 at 9:30am, Montgomery County Commissioners Court, 501 North Thompson, Fourth Floor, Conroe, Texas 77301, Please wear a red shirt. You will not need to speak.

by: Michele Nuckolls

Good Morning Friends!! Let me begin by saying that it has been an absolute pleasure to be working with you. It has been a year since I first went to commissioner’s court and sounded the alarm. I met a lot of wonderful, wise, and helpful people along the way. We have accomplished a tremendous amount, and it has been an amazing year. Thank you from the bottom of my heart for all the phone calls, emails, and conversations you have had to bring awareness with friends and to share your concerns with your commissioner.

The first time I spoke during citizen comments at Commissioners Court was one year ago, and I was terrified.

All our hard work has brought a new policy to the court. Here it is: https://destinyhosted.com/montgdocs/2024/CCREG/20240326_1490/24299%5FLibrary%5FPolicy.pdf

I’ve been seeing some ridiculous misinformation floating around, so I highly recommend you read the policy carefully for yourself.

Any significant action (like sequestering a book during review) can only be taken if the book reasonably meets the harmful material standard described in Texas Penal Code § 43.24(a)(2).

(2) “Harmful material” means material whose dominant theme taken as a whole: (A) appeals to the prurient interest of a minor, in sex, nudity, or excretion; (B) is patently offensive to prevailing standards in the adult community as a whole with respect to what is suitable for minors; and (C) is utterly without redeeming social value for minors.

From Texas Penal Code § 43.24(a)(2)

I’m not sure how you argue against keeping this kind of material away from kids? Maybe this is why instead of trying to argue against this in honest context, misinformation is being spread.

Keep in mind that the Reconsideration Committee is currently run by librarians (who are not elected or appointed by elected officials for terms). In the most recent meeting, two books were considered: The Pants Project, by Cat Clark and George (Melissa) by Alex Gino. The decision was made to leave these books in the children’s section where 3rd graders could easily pick them up. Here are a few quotes:

This was my response:

Kangaroo Committee - How the policy CAN be changed to protect kids.

Now we have a policy!!! It will be presented at Commissioners Court this Tuesday, March 26th at 9:30am. This is where you come in. I will need to be with a loved one at this time and will not be there. I am asking each and every one of you to please help me get this across the finish line! Attend court! Please wear a RED SHIRT, if you have one. This will help show our support. A patriotic scarf or other patriotic accessories would also bring an encouraging presence.

Instead of speaking during public comment, please send an email (contacts below) to each court member expressing your support and let them know you plan to attend in support, but that you will not speak out of respect for their time. Please plan to attend at the following address:
Alan B. Sadler Commissioners Court Building
501 North Thompson, Fourth Floor
Conroe, Texas 77301

Email/call your commissioner:

Here is a form email you can use:

Dear Commissioner,

I am writing to urge your support for Item 10.A. on the March 26, 2024 Commissioner's Court Open Agenda (consider, discuss and take appropriate action relating to the Library Reconsideration Materials Policy).

By giving citizens a voice in shaping the accessibility of content in our public libraries, we can strengthen our efforts to protect our children and uphold the values of our community.

I will be attending court wearing a red shirt in support of this agenda item, but I will not speak out of respect for your time.

Thank you for your support of this very important agenda item.

Sincerely,

Here is their contact information:

Montgomery County Commissioner Precinct 1

Office of Commissioner Robert Walker
936-539-7815
commissioner.pct1@mctx.org

Montgomery County Commissioner Precinct 2

Office of Commissioner Charlie Riley
281-259-6492
karen.cantrell@mctx.org

Montgomery County Commissioner Precinct 3

Commissioner James Noack
Spring: 281-367-3977
Conroe: 936-539-7817
Fax: 281-364-4231
Evan.Besong@mctx.org

Montgomery County Commissioner Precinct 4

Commissioner Matt Gray
936-597-4444
contactp4@mctx.org

Pray!

Finally, please pray for every heart and mind of the court, their staff, and their families.

Thank you again! I cannot express how grateful I am for you.