Man burns 100 library books on Jewish, African American, LGBTQ+ topics, officials say

The actions of an Ohio man have sparked widespread fury after he allegedly borrowed 100 books from a public library with the intention of burning them.

According to Ohio Sen. Kent Smith, the books reportedly covered topics such as Jewish history, African American history, and LGBTQ+ education.

The Beachwood Police Department indicated that the man checked out the books from the Beachwood Branch of the Cuyahoga County Public Library.

Subsequently, the man is said to have shared a video on social media showing him burning the books, according to ‘WCAX3’.

The library system has stated it will refrain from commenting on the ongoing investigation.

On Monday, Heights Christian Church announced its collaboration with Interfaith Group Against Hate to denounce the man's actions.

The church, which prides itself on being “open to and affirming of all people, celebrating and finding strength in our diversity + affirming the dignity + worth of every person,” hosted an Action and Press Conference to oppose “this hateful act.”

“Besides condemning the action, IGAH will be promoting support for our libraries,” the groups stated. “We will also be presenting a plan of action that will include partnering with local bookshops to purchase books, as well as community readings and discussion on topics that promote diversity and free speech.”

Sen. Smith also criticised the man’s actions in a statement, labelling them as “fundamentally un-American.”

“This nation was founded on the right to free speech and open expression, and our libraries are the embodiment of that promise,” his statement partially reads. “Libraries are designed to be community-based safe harbors of free thought.”

“Libraries offer ideas. This is their fundamental role in our democracy and why they are so vital. This act of violence is not just a crime against the public catalog of literature that was destroyed, but also is a violation of the marketplace of ideas that is a bedrock principle of American life.”