Lapeer County Resident Raises Concerns Over Sexually Explicit Book in Public Library’s Youth Section

Concerns grow over how public libraries classify books as officials and parents push for stronger protections for minors.

LAPEER COUNTY, Mich. — A Lapeer County resident is renewing concerns about sexually explicit books in the local public library, saying at least one title recommended for young teens contains graphic sexual content that he believes is inappropriate for minors.

The media is not covering this story. I left legacy news so I could bring you the truth. Becoming a paid subscriber helps me keep this going and grow. Click the red button below to join for less than one dollar a week. You can leave any time.

Tom Kohlman, a former Lapeer County commissioner, said the issue first surfaced in 2023 when residents brought several books to county officials, prompting discussions with then-Library Director Amy Churchill. According to Kohlman, Churchill resisted removing or relocating the material and publicly stated she was willing to go to jail to protect access to the books. She later resigned at the end of 2023.

Kohlman said one of the books repeatedly raised by parents and community members is Me and Earl and the Dying Girl, which the American Library Association recommends for ages 12 to 18. Kohlman said pages in the book contain explicit sexual descriptions that resemble pornography, adding that he would not feel comfortable reading the text aloud near his own children.

A current library board member confirmed to Kohlman that the book is shelved in the young adult section, where materials are available to readers as young as 12. Kohlman said many parents would assume the book addresses themes like grief or illness based on its title and cover, without knowing it contains graphic sexual content.

Kohlman emphasized he is not calling for the book to be banned but believes items containing explicit sexual content should be moved to the adult section and restricted to patrons 18 and older. He also questioned whether taxpayer money should be used to purchase such material. “This isn’t education,” he said. “It’s sexual entertainment.”

The Lapeer County prosecutor previously examined similar concerns in 2023 but did not file charges. Kohlman said the prosecutor has continued to warn that sexually explicit materials can be used to groom minors, though he is not currently leading an effort to remove specific titles.

Kohlman noted that some libraries in other states have begun placing warning labels on books containing graphic material, an approach he believes Michigan libraries should consider. He said such labeling would give parents clearer information about what their children are reading.

The Lapeer District Library has undergone leadership changes over the past year, with multiple directors resigning. Kohlman said the current board is attempting to balance free speech protections with concerns about protecting minors, though state and federal laws limit the board’s authority to remove books outright.

Kohlman said he speaks out because many parents are unaware of what is available in youth sections and may assume library materials are age-appropriate. “Most people don’t have the necessary information to make sound decisions about what their kids are consuming,” he said. “If most taxpayers knew this content was in the library, they would not support paying for it.”