WAUPUN — In consideration of the previous Library Board meeting where over 80 people attended and nearly 30 spoke on the matter of “pride month” displays, a draft was presented of a new library-initiated display policy at the meeting held March 19, 2025.
Four members of the public spoke at the meeting along with one current staff librarian. The first to speak was Randy VandeZande who represents the 26th Supervisory District for Dodge County, which represents the south and west areas of Waupun in Dodge County. He attended after being contacted by a constituent with concerns about the Waupun Library, and wanted to learn more about the situation after explaining the concerns brought to him. Dylan Weber then spoke on his own behalf reiterating some of the points he made at the previous meeting. Justin Montsma read a statement against the display of inappropriate and explicit material. Heather Van Buren pointed out that there may not be a clear line for what constitutes explicit material in the library. Jaedon Buchholz reiterated some of his statements from the previous meeting as well.
The Board then discussed the policy draft, and requested that each member make revisions for the next meeting if they have anything they may have input on or would like to see any changes. The current draft can be found in the meeting agenda packet on the City website.
Assistant Library Director Pam Garcia pointed out that she had been asked about a rumor that the graphic novel “Genderqueer” was in the children’s area, which she said was not—it is normally in the adult section, except when it was on display at the circulation desk for a “Banned Books” display.
Watch the recording here:
Timestamps:
0:00 — Opening,
0:59 — Randy VandeZande,
4:19 — Dylan Weber,
7:43 — Justin Montsma,
10:34 — Heather Van Buren,
13:25 — Jaedon Buchholz,
15:36 — Library Director Bret Jaeger introduces policy,
18:10 — Assistant Director Pam Garcia dispels rumor over location of specific book,
20:30 — Discussion on display policy draft.
