In Citrus County, Florida, local librarians faced unexpected resistance during a recent commissioners’ meeting. Their straightforward request for an annual digital subscription to The New York Times—a standard offering for libraries aimed at providing free access to information—was met with rejection from a group of politically aligned officials.
During the meeting, all five commissioners unanimously decided against the funding request. Coincidentally, this meeting took place on the same day the Trump administration announced it would terminate federal subscriptions to both The New York Times and The Washington Post.
“Do we really need to subscribe to the New York Times?” inquired Commissioner Ben Foster. Another member, Jim Carter, echoed the sentiment, expressing his agreement with President Trump by labeling the publication as “fake news.” He added, “I oppose the New York Times’ presence in our county; I don’t support them, it’s all fake news, and I’m voting against it. They can allocate that funding elsewhere.”
When pressed on where the money could be better spent, Carter suggested other community needs, ignoring the library’s role as a knowledge hub. According to the Citrus County library system, they currently spend about $3,000 a year on a print subscription, which mainly reaches just two of the four branches on Sundays. Library officials had hoped that a digital subscription would enhance accessibility for all residents.
Samantha Brooks, chair of the library advisory board, stated, “Personal political opinions should not dictate the resources available at our libraries. It’s crucial for libraries to represent diverse viewpoints.” The Citrus County Chronicle reported an influx of calls and emails from concerned citizens following the decision. Some commissioners began to soften their stance, with Carter claiming that his vote wasn’t influenced by personal beliefs but was rather a fiscal decision meant to save taxpayer money.
The Chronicle mentioned that the commissioners plan to “revisit” the issue soon, raising hopes for a reconsideration of their approach to censorship. For additional insights on similar topics, check out this post on home insemination.
In summary, the Citrus County commissioners’ decision to deny funding for a New York Times subscription highlights the intersection of personal politics and public resources, raising questions about censorship in library access. Local residents and library officials alike advocate for a more inclusive approach to information access.