The Birth of Library Exposed: How the Project Began (Part 2)

Although the Rockwood School District had not restricted access to the Destiny Discover platform, awareness of the system increased as parents began independently reviewing library holdings. Destiny Discover allows users to search school library collections by title, author, or topic and provides access to print holdings, eBooks, audiobooks, and database resources.

As more families searched the catalog, many reported finding titles they had not anticipated would be available to students. Parents described discovering books that included explicit sexual scenes, profanity, depictions of drug use, and graphic violence. Some titles also addressed themes involving sexuality, gender identity, race, and social justice. For parents who had not previously reviewed the catalog in depth, the breadth of content prompted concern and closer scrutiny.

Certain books became focal points in community discussions, including Crank, Looking for Alaska, All Boys Aren't Blue, and Lawn Boy. The graphic novel Gender Queer drew particular attention due to its explicit visual depictions. Living Dead Girl, a novel depicting the abuse of a young girl, was also cited by parents during public meetings. In elementary schools, It Feels Good to be Yourself, a book addressing gender identity, became a subject of debate. Some parents questioned whether the messaging was developmentally appropriate for younger students.

As conversations continued, parents sought to understand how books were reviewed and retained within district libraries. The district’s formal process for challenging materials is outlined in Regulation 6241. The procedure requires parents to first discuss concerns with a librarian or teacher. If unresolved, concerns may be escalated to the building principal. A formal Challenge Materials Form can then be submitted to convene a review committee.

In the fall of 2021, 13 books were formally challenged by parents under this process. Each was reviewed by a Challenge Committee. All 13 titles were ultimately retained. Seven of the decisions were appealed through the district’s established process, and those titles were also retained.

For some parents, the outcomes reinforced their belief that the formal review system did not adequately reflect their concerns about age-appropriateness. As a result, several parents brought their objections directly to the Rockwood Board of Education during public comment periods.

The events of late 2021 marked a shift from individual parental inquiries to sustained public engagement with district leadership.

Read Part 3 to learn what happened next.