Parents say children's books too sexual

Some children's books in the Georgetown Public Library are causing a bit of a stir with two local parents. They say several books are too graphic and explicit to be in the children's section of the library.

It's taken a few weeks for Tami Brett and her friend Ann Elizabeth Elz to get over their shock about what they found in their local library. Books with titles like "Mommy Laid an Egg," "Dear Larissa" and others. They say the books artwork depicts in graphic nature a variety of subject matters too inappropriate for children.

"I found books that explicitly show in cartoon-type drawings," said Brett, "clowns in various sexual positions explaining specifically where anatomies meet up."

Brett says these books don't need to be banned from the library, but they don't belong in the children's section and should be re-categorized.

"These books from the covers of the books and the titles of the books," Brett added, "you are not aware that you're going to be seeing this type of information."

"I cannot believe these books," said Elz. "We read about climaxing, we read about masturbation. We read about rape, we read about the act of creating a baby and I (reacted), 'Can you believe this is in a children's section?'"

They decided to bring it up to the head librarian last spring but said nothing was done. Brett said she then filed a formal complaint last June.

According to the city, the library director reviewed the books in question and decided they were age-appropriate and decided the books would stay in place.

But these parents say they're frustrated with the city's inaction and can't believe the librarian doesn't recognize their concerns.

"I'm not asking for removal of the books at all. I'm just simply asking that they help parents out, work with us -- we all want to have our children's best interest at heart," said Brett.

Late Tuesday, Brett met with the Georgetown city manager who told her there is a process to follow beginning with a formal complaint with the library advisory board, and subsequently, City Council if a resolution isn't found.