Burn before reading: Bronson's behind-the-scenes quest to purge library of LGBT content

Anchorage Public Library (APL) employees say their work climate is becoming increasingly toxic — a direct result of Deputy Director of Library Services Judy Eledge’s efforts to inject her own political and personal viewpoints and those of the Bronson Administration into a public system designed to be immune of bias or improper influence.

APL employees, concerned Eledge might retaliate against them, wished only to speak on the condition of anonymity, at least for now.

One library employee described the current climate this way: “We are tired of being bullied by unqualified, unknowledgeable people who only believe that their viewpoint is valid.” Another said the atmosphere at the library is “extremely tense. Everyone is constantly walking on eggshells or waiting for the next shoe to drop.”

Employees of the APL, which is still without a director, say Collection Management Services Coordinator Laura Baldwin had what they described as a “horrible one-on-one meeting” on January 14 with Eledge, a one-time Bronson pick for library director who was pulled from consideration to avoid Assembly confirmation and instead installed in the unconfirmed role of deputy director. The employees said Baldwin was expecting to discuss vendors and the library’s weeding process with Eledge and went to the meeting prepared to discuss those two issues.

Read more: https://thebluealaskan.com/burn-before-reading-bronsons-behind-the-scenes-quest-to-purge-library-of-lgbt-content/