SUMNER COUNTY, Tenn. (WKRN) — Amid ongoing controversy, the chair of Sumner County’s Library Board has finally spoken out. 

After trying and failing to remove books with sexual content as well as "transgender and gender confusing" content from their public libraries last month, Board Chair Joanna Daniels tells News 2 they've simply been trying to follow state law.

“Everything that we do we have to turn in [to the] state, and if it went against state law, they would tell us," Daniels said. "And nothing that we have done — no policy we’ve created, no job qualification we’ve created — has gone against anything.”

Daniels has become a household name among patrons of Sumner County libraries within the past year. Since taking over as Board Chair, Daniels has tried to update their book collection policy, find candidates for several vacated library positions and navigate mounting community criticism. 

“I have had people follow me out to my car," Daniels said. "I’ve had to have security follow me and take me out [of board meetings.]"

Amid the heat, Daniels said she has seen plenty of support from residents. As a governing body, Daniels said it’s their responsibility to make libraries safe for patrons all ages. 

“We’re not against anybody. We are curating a collection to fit in our library that fits the community needs,” Daniels said.

Daniels believes those in opposition of her and the board are the minority in Sumner County, but division has lingered. 

How can their library board move forward? 

“We need commissioners actually listening to their voters, and we need the people that support us to show up," Daniels said. "And the people that don’t support us, come — but stop being so disrespectful."

The Library Board will meet again on Wednesday, Sept. 10. 

News Source : https://www.wkrn.com/news/local-news/sumner-co-library-board-chair-speaks/