Response to Removal of Fig Garden Banner

The Fresno County Library recently responded to a comment from a patron who objected to a banner at the Fig Garden Regional Library that had wording referring to Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender Pride.  Shortly thereafter, the banner was removed for the following reasons:

• The Fig Garden Library had, and still has, a display of LGBT library materials.  Such displays are supported with related signage no larger than 11" x 17".  However, this was a large banner positioned in a location away from the display that did not establish a clear relationship to the display of related library materials.
• The banner was not requested nor approved through established library printing and publicity request procedures, and library supervisors were not aware the banner had been posted.  The library uses banners only for systemwide library-sponsored programs such as The Big Read, Summer Reading Program and self-checkout.
• The banner wording had appeared on collateral material of a political nature and therefore exposed the library to a public perception that a political position had been taken by the library.  Activity of a political nature on County property is prohibited by County Ordinance Code 3.08.110.
• LGBT Awareness/Cultural Month is included on our library promotional calendar and is supported by the library.  However, the banner wording did not specify the national observance of LGBT Awareness/Cultural Month.

Unfortunately, removal of the banner has been perceived as an act of censorship instead of the procedural issue that it truly is.  The library strives to support and will continue to support all segments of our diverse community in a balanced fashion.