Phoenix libraries move sex-ed books to adult shelves

By Stacy Mantle
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A decision by Maricopa County Library District to relocate dozens of sex-ed and puberty books from children’s sections to adult nonfiction shelves is reigniting debates over censorship, parental rights and access to information.

"The question is not whether free speech is protected — we believe strongly in freedom of expression," said Courtney Konderik,  director of operations for Arizona Women of Action. "This situation is about protecting children."

The books, which cover topics ranging from puberty and body changes to relationships and gender identity, are still available but now sit on top shelves with signs directing readers.

Titles moved include "It’s Perfectly Normal" by Robie H. Harris, "Celebrate Your Body (and Its Changes, Too!)" by Sonya Renee Taylor and "The Every Body Book: The LGBTQ+ Inclusive Guide for Kids about Sex, Gender, Bodies and Families" by Rachel Simon.

The shift followed complaints from conservative Christian organizations that argued the materials were inappropriate for children.

“Every challenge, restriction or removal of a book or library resource is a direct attack on our freedom to read," said Sam Helmick, president of the American Library Association. "Materials that address puberty, human reproduction, sexuality, gender identity and sexual orientation are protected under the First Amendment and readers of all ages have the right to access these materials without barriers or restrictions.”

Library officials say the move is meant to respect community concerns while maintaining access. But free speech advocates warn the practice could create barriers for young people seeking accurate, age-appropriate health information.

“Board members heard concerns from members of the public and asked staff to explore options to address those concerns,” said Jason Berry, communications director for Maricopa County.  “Relocating sex-ed and puberty books to adult sections was among the options. All of these resources remain available.  The library district prioritizes access and is committed to offering a collection that meets the needs of the whole community.”

Supporters argue the decision acknowledges parental rights and community standards. 

"Children are vulnerable to manipulation, and early exposure to sexual, violent or mature content is shown to create long-term damage to their emotional, physical and spiritual development," said Konderik.

Opponents, including the ALA and a number of Arizona educators, describe the move as a form of censorship. They argue limiting children’s access to sex-ed and identity materials can hinder healthy development, especially for youth without reliable information at home.

“Our goal is to empower parents who want to take an active role in their child's library experience without limiting the choices of other individuals and families,” said Berry.

The county’s decision reflects a broader national trend. According to the American Library Association, 2023 saw 4,240 unique titles challenged — the highest number ever recorded. Public libraries experienced a 92% increase in challenges over 2022, while school library challenges rose 11%.

PEN America later reported more than 10,000 instances of book bans in schools during the 2023-24 year, affecting over 4,000 unique titles. Early data from 2025 show challenges remain elevated, suggesting the debate over what belongs on library shelves is far from resolved.

A recent federal case in Arkansas highlights how courts are weighing similar disputes. In Virden et al. v. Crawford County (2024), the district court ruled segregating books for young readers deemed “inappropriate” because they included content on sexuality and same-sex relationships was unconstitutional. The judge found the practice violated the First Amendment rights of library users and ordered the titles returned to their original place in the collection — a decision that may influence future challenges in other states.

Arizona has not been immune to the trend of banning books. Challenges have increasingly focused on books addressing race, gender and sexuality, echoing disputes in other states.

“Librarians are professionals trained to look at reviews, cataloging and the collection development policy to understand how materials should be categorized and where they should be placed in the library,” said Helmick. “While parents may feel certain materials are not suitable for their family, that material should not be restricted for other families.”

Experts suggest the controversy points to a need for clearer policies that engage the full community. Some recommend age-appropriate labeling or advisory panels that include parents, teachers, youth advocates and librarians, rather than unilateral decisions.

Maricopa County’s decision could become a test case for how public libraries nationwide navigate rising challenges. Whether the model becomes precedent or prompts pushback may depend on how much transparency and dialogue library leaders are willing to invite.

Editor’s note: A grant from the Arizona Local News Foundation made this story possible. The foundation awarded 15 newsrooms to pay for solutions-focused education reporters for two years. Please submit comments at yourvalley.net/letters or email them to AzOpinions@iniusa.org. We are committed to publishing a wide variety of reader opinions, as long as they meet our Civility Guidelines.