ASHEBORO, N.C. (ACME NEWS) — In a packed special session on December 8, 2025, the Randolph County Board of Commissioners voted 3-2 dismiss all members of the Library Board of Trustees and dissolved its existing bylaws.
The decision marks the culmination of a month-long debate sparked by the children’s picture book Call Me Max, which features a transgender protagonist. The controversy began in October 2025 when the Trustees voted 5-2 to keep the book in the children’s section of the library despite a formal challenge requesting its removal or relocation.
A Divided Public Hearing
Nearly 200 people attended the hearing at the 1909 Randolph County Historic Courthouse, with dozens of citizens offering public comments. The gallery reflected a community deeply split over the issues of parental rights, censorship, and the role of the library.
Proponents of dissolving the board argued that the Trustees failed to protect children from age-inappropriate material. For instance, residents Greg Erickson and Nathan Burris contended the book was not suitable for the children’s section and urged the Commissioners to have it moved. Vice-Chairman Kenny Kidd described the situation as a “black and white” issue, stating that the current board did not represent the values of the community. Additionally, several local pastors supported the board’s removal, with Todd Nance citing concerns about “grooming” children and Brent Tysinger suggesting that those who support the removal do so because the Trustees failed children.
Conversely, supporters of the Library Board of Trustees emphasized the importance of intellectual freedom and the professional expertise of the library staff. Speakers such as Harriet Moulder and Gary Jones spoke against book banning, arguing that the library should offer safe spaces and that First Amendment rights grant everyone the right to access information on all topics. Residents like Judy Saunders noted that the library staff is always pleasant and responsive, while others, like Erik Davis and Jon Megerian, pointed out that the Trustees had followed their own rules and procedures during the initial appeal. Finally, Krys Gollihue, who shared that she is gender non-conforming, expressed that diverse representation for those who are different is essential for all citizens.
The Commissioners’ Decision
The motion to assume control was made by Vice-Chairman Kenny Kidd and seconded by Commissioner Lester Rivenbark, pursuant to NCGS 153A-77(a).
Commissioner Rivenbark asserted that while the Trustees followed their policies, they were out of step with the electorate. Vice-Chairman Kidd added that “saving the souls of children” was a primary driver behind his decision. Chairman Darrell Frye supported the move, noting that the book in question exposed children to topics they were not ready for.
The two dissenting votes came from Commissioners Hope Haywood and David Allen.
- Institutional Stability: Commissioner Allen called the move “political” and warned it set a “poor precedence” by removing a board without a solution or framework for what comes next.
- Process Concerns: Commissioner Haywood argued that while board policies could be improved, abolishing the board entirely was the wrong approach. She highlighted the library’s extensive programming, including STEM and community navigation services, which she believes should be protected.
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