Dixon Public Library

Past speakers include humorist Jenny Lawson, musician Jeff Tweedy and actor/writer Nick Offerman.

After months of community debate over banning LGBTQ comic books, the Library Board is standing by the decision to reject requests to ban the books.

Last month, the board unanimously approved policy changes reinforcing language against censorship and discrimination.

A three-month debate on removing the books is coming to a close.

Remodeling the area will improve health and safety issues, as well as create a new multipurpose program space where the library will host programs, meetings and other events, library Director Antony Deter said.

“Best practices in collection development assert that materials should not be excluded from a collection solely because the content or its creator may be considered offensive or controversial," according to the American Library Association.

Discussion item follows recent requests to remove LGBTQ comic books containing sexual content

A community debate began about a month ago following concerns about a young adult LGBTQ comic book containing sexual imagery.

Censorship, discrimination and patron's rights are part of the issue, which started with concerns about access to books with sexual content in the library.

One resident said the books should not only be removed but burned.

The paperback exchange is back at the library as well as other new offerings.

This year marks the sesquicentennial of Dixon’s first public library.

The walk begins at the main door of the library at 221 S. Hennepin Ave. and directs trailgoers to their next stops.

Community members exploring the downtown may have noticed the recent arrival of colorful monsters in storefront windows.