The Monroeville Public Library removed its Pride Month children’s book display following a directive from local officials.

Kelly Meredith, president of the Monroeville Public Library Board of Directors, said a decision was made to remove the library's Pride Month display after the municipal manager directed library staff to take it down.

“On Friday, I received word from the library that the municipal manager had directed our library director to take down the display in the children's room,” Meredith said.

The display, which had been in place since June 1, was removed last week despite opposition from Meredith. She said this was not the first time the display faced criticism from Monroeville officials.

Councilmember Bill Krut shared a Facebook post from the library’s children’s room on June 19, questioning the appropriateness of the books.

“Should these books be available for children at the Monroeville Library? I think not. I don’t care what adults do. This is child sexual grooming,” Krut wrote.

Pittsburgh's Action News 4 reached out to Krut for comment but has not received a response.

Lindsay White, a pastor at Crossroads Presbyterian Church and a parent, expressed her disapproval of Krut’s comments.

“I think that's incredibly offensive,” White said.

White, who regularly visits the library with her children, voiced her support for the display during last week’s library board meeting.

“We utilize the library every week, and the Pride display is an incredible resource in helping my children learn about the reality of the world that we live in. And we are very supportive of the LGBTQ community,” White said.

Katie Baumgarten, executive director of Monroeville Area Pride and Community Aid, expressed disappointment over the removal of the display, noting the community’s diversity and support for inclusivity.

“People are really shocked and disappointed because after the showing of overwhelming support on Monday, I think most people thought that even if our officials felt the way that they felt, they would see that their constituents did not feel the same way and would not continue to pressure the library. But unfortunately, that's not what happened,” Baumgarten said.

Meredith explained that the decision to remove the display was made to protect library staff from potential negative impacts.

“There was a lot of pressure, and it was a very difficult decision because we don't want to set a precedent that says that the council can come in and dictate what displays are appropriate for the library. But we had to do what the library staff felt would keep them safest in this situation,” Meredith said.

She added that the municipal manager and a council member visited the library to ensure the display had been removed.

Monroeville Municipal Manager Alex Graziani said the request was related to holiday timing.

“I advised that the June Pride Month display in the children’s section of the Monroeville Public Library could be removed and replaced with a patriotic America 250 display in advance of the Independence Day holiday and our community celebration,” Graziani said.

Meredith responded, stating that library staff, not public officials, are responsible for determining displays.

Monroeville Mayor Dennis Biondo Jr. said he is investigating the situation and emphasized that libraries should be welcoming spaces free from intimidation and censorship.

"I affirm our community's values of safety, dignity, and respect for all residents, including the LGBTQIA+ community... Libraries must remain safe, welcoming spaces free from intimidation or censorship, so that all patrons have access to the books and resources they need or wants," they mayor said in a statement posted online.

Baumgarten, with MAPCA, encouraged residents to attend the next Monroeville Citizen Night at council chambers, scheduled for Tuesday, July 7, at 7 p.m., to voice their opinions.

“I just encourage anybody who feels strongly about that and who lives here or is represented by any of these officials here to show up to the council meeting next Tuesday,” Baumgarten said.