The Amazing Vanishing "Transphobic" Label!

Pamunkey Regional Library tagged the book "Johnny the Walrus" by Matt Walsh a "Transphobic work," but the label mysteriously vanished after my Social Media Post. Here's my email to the Director.

Hello Mr. Shepley,

Recently I discovered something concerning on the Pamunkey Regional Library website and was wondering if you could offer an explanation.

The book “Johnny the Walrus” by Matt Walsh was labeled as “Transphobic works,” (*see picture #1) 

#1.

(May 30th 2023)

...yet your new collections policy makes it very clear to parents like myself that you do not make determination of the nature or appropriateness of content for children. 

 You were so direct with concerned citizens at meetings explaining that it is against PRL policy (and the 1st Amendment) to make a determination of "what porn is" when people have so many differing opinions on the definition. How then were you so easily able to give “Johnny the Walrus”  the hostile and highly subjective label of “transphobic?” 

It appears you have violated your own policy as well as demonstrated bias. 

For example, the PRL children’s book called “If You’re a Drag Queen and You Know It” (for ages 4-8) by Lil Miss Hot Mess, which was brought to your attention at a meeting and encourages little children to embrace drag-culture and “express their fabulousness,” is broadly (and innocuously) categorized as “children’s songs,” “songs and music,” “happiness,” and “singing games.” (*see picture #2)

#2.

Yet there is no warning whatsoever of its controversial nature even though most people would consider it inappropriate subject matter for children. I suppose you allow the title to speak for itself?

In addition to the pejorative categorization of “Transphobic works,” “Johnny the Walrus” was narrowly classified as “Satirical Literature” and “Political Cartoon.” Can you explain how these obscure and derisive terms accurately describe a children's book, much less how they would help a parent locate a book like this on your website? 

Why was "If You're a Drag Queen and You Know It" given friendly, wide-net key search terms that would likely appear in a basic search engine request, while "Johnny the Walrus" was relegated to being a transphobic, cartoon, satire? 

Curiously, after I brought your inappropriate label of “Johnny the Walrus” to the attention of the public on May 30th, someone notified me that as of yesterday it appears to have been removed from your website. (*see picture #3) I am very curious why the words "transphobic works" seem to have mysteriously “vanished” shortly after my public alert?

#3. (June 7th 2023)

Can you explain the reason for this?  

Mr. Shepley, the transphobic label on "Johnny the Walrus" in itself is very troubling, but also proves yet again that PRL is dishonest with the public and is committed to furthering a trans-radical, progressive, sexualizing agenda on our children. Unfortunately this is but one of numerous examples I've seen over the last few months. 

That is why I have copied the County Governments of Hanover, Goochland and King William because I want them to all be aware of what is happening. I implore them to help concerned citizens like myself in our efforts by more closely scrutinizing the operations of the Director, the Board of Trustees, and employees of Pamunkey Regional Library for the safety and protection of all children. 

And perhaps at the very least, if PRL is to demand increasing amounts of taxpayer money for salary increases etc., they should be required to answer some basic questions about their behavior and explain why concerned citizens are finding and exposing so many incidents like this one. 

Ultimately, I ask all participating counties to carefully reconsider their continued participation in PRL, a library system that is openly and defiantly opposing the protection of children and the basic moral values our counties share. 

We know that a problem does exist, now the question is, what are we going to do about it? 

I openly welcome dialogue and would be happy to speak with any of you about these concerns at any time. I am a concerned parent of 4 in King William County and I would be glad to share with you what I have learned about the PRL system this year. 

And Mr. Shepley, I look forward to your explanation of this latest assault on our children. 

Best Regards,

Jessica McLane

King William