After two and a half months of a controversial disagreement between the City of Ridgeland and the Ridgeland Library, a resolution has been reached with an adopted Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) and an updated contract.
In January, Director of the Madison County Library System (MCLS) Tonja Johnson was notified by Mayor Gene McGee that the payments would be stopped to the library until “homosexual materials were removed from the library.” After discussion and clarification, McGee said he never intended to censor books, but rather the issue was with the prominent display of these books in the children’s section at the library.
He had received numerous complaints from Ridgeland citizens and felt it was his duty to act on it. The mayor and board of aldermen also cited an expired contract as the reason funds were being withheld from the library. People on both sides of the issue expressed their concern and passion for their beliefs at the board meeting in February. Now, the city and library have reached an agreement and will continue their “longstanding relationship.”
“Both parties have reached an agreement concerning matters over the Ridgeland Library Branch,” a statement by both parties reads. “Earlier this week the Memorandum of Understanding was adopted by and between the City of Ridgeland and the MCLS.”
The primary concern of the city was the display of age sensitive materials in the library, and the library never wavered on their beliefs of having books that represent everyone in the community. Both of these stances were acknowledged and heard through the MOU.
The MOU states that Ridgeland and its elected officials strongly support a diverse library collection that is consistent with the American Library Association’s Bill of Rights. It said the city believes libraries should provide materials presenting all points of view on current and historical issues, including sexual orientation and religious preferences.
“The city is deeply concerned that the Ridgeland Branch of MCLS will continue to display or make available materials only in an age appropriate manner,” the MOU reads. “Recent complaints by individuals inside and outside of Ridgeland have been lodged with both parties hereto concerning the branch’s material collection and displays. In addition, disputes presently exist between Ridgeland and the MCLS regarding the status of Ridgeland as a contractual member of the MCLS. The parties of this MOU desire more open and direct communication between the governing bodies of these parties generally, and more particularly, concerning these issues.”
The city and MCLS state they wish to protect and preserve a neutral viewpoint of the library system. However, both parties agree they must protect all parent’s rights to serve as the guardians of preadolescent children.
MCLS currently has a working process to make formal complaints regarding library materials that will stay in place. Patrons are encouraged to make their formal complaints via this process.
“Each party hereto understands that issues between the parties may arise in the future and can best be addressed by direct communication between the Board of Aldermen for the City of Ridgeland and the MCLS Board of Trustees,” the MOU reads.
The joint statement from both parties said they are happy a resolution has been found and the City of Ridgeland’s constituents can continue to enjoy and treasure the library and its special place in the community. Johnson said the MOU also affirms the library’s values they have always held.
“The MOU affirms our support of the American Library Association’s Bill of Rights and each individual’s freedom to read,” Johnson said.
In addition to the MOU that was adopted, the new contract, which also was stated as a reason why the library’s funds had not yet been sent, has been adopted. Johnson said the contract is the same as the previous contract except for the addition of one sentence regarding quarterly payments. The contract was signed by the mayor on April 12.
“MCLS is very pleased we have reached an agreement with the City of Ridgeland that supports the library’s mission to serve the entire community, especially on behalf of our patrons who need and deserve outstanding, equitable and inclusive library services,” Johnson said.
