Petrelis Files

Wasilla Librarian:
Accept or Resell Donated Gay Kid's Books?

As she promised earlier today, E. Ross of BentAlaska.com did indeed contact the Wasilla public library, to inquire about the recently donated gay children's books, and their fate. This is her report:

Donated "Heather" and "Daddy's Roommate" Will Be Accepted or Sold by Wasilla Library

by E. Ross
bentalaska(at)gmail(dot)com

Two popular gay-themed children's books, "Heather Has Two Mommies" and "Daddy's Roommate," were donated to the Wasilla Public Library in Alaska, where Sarah Palin was mayor, by gay and lesbian Americans concerned with attempted censorship.

The full press release was posted earlier: Gay Americans Donate Children's Books to Wasilla Library, On Eve of Banned Books Week.

I called the Wasilla Public Library when they opened today.

"We received the books," said KJ Martin-Albright, Library Administrator at the Wasilla Public Library, "and we sent a copy of our library donation policy and a receipt to Mr. Petrelis."

"Karen Davis, the youth services librarian, will decide if the books will be accepted and placed on the shelves, or be given to the Friends of the Library and sold at a book faire."

"Rest assured that we are not dodging him," said Ms. Martin-Albright. "He should be hearing from us soon."

Bent Alaska thanks Mr. Petrelis for this generous donation, and encourages Ms. Davis to accept these wonderful children's books. We look forward to seeing "Heather Has Two Mommies" and "Daddy's Roommate" on the shelves of the Wasilla Public Library.

And I thank E. Ross and other gay Alaskans for working with me to create a friendlier environment for gays, and gay-themed books, in the state. I'm keeping my fingers crossed Ms. David agrees to place the books on the shelves.