Dixon, Illinois Public Library news
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.
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.
A community debate began about a month ago following concerns about a young adult LGBTQ comic book containing sexual imagery.
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.