A Monroeville council meeting drew a large crowd as residents debated the removal of a Pride display from the children’s book section of the Monroeville Public Library, with the room reaching capacity 30 minutes before the meeting began and dozens forced to stand in the hallway.

The Pride display was featured in the library’s children’s section from June 1 through June 19. According to the president of the library board, staff removed the display after Monroeville’s municipal manager Alex Graziani asked them to take it down, citing concerns about potential job or funding losses.

The request also followed a Facebook post by Councilmember Bill Krut, who referred to the display as "child sexual grooming." Graziani said he made the order because he wanted the display changed over to an America 250 and Fourth of July team.

Most attendees were in support of the display and the library.

“Public libraries exist to reflect the communities they serve,” said Kelly Meredith, a member of the Monroeville Public Library Board of Directors. “Providing access to age-appropriate materials that represent different people, families, and life experiences is not an attempt to influence a child's identity.”

Meredith also addressed accusations against library staff.

“We are particularly concerned by comments suggesting that library staff were acting as groomers. Such accusations are inaccurate, inflammatory, and unfair to dedicated public employees,” she said.

Some residents supported the removal of the display.

“When the use of our taxpayers’ money and taxpayers’ buildings are being utilized to push an agenda targeted toward minors, this is where dads, grandfathers, veterans, and men of God will not be silenced anymore,” said Monroeville resident Jim Aiello. “We’re standing up. We will raise our children according to our godly values and our way of life.”

Many supporters of the library display called for Krut to step down or vowed to vote him out during the next election.