NATALIE MOSER, Huntington Beach City Councilmember (OC Tribune photo by Brian Guevara).

By Brian Guevara/Orange County Tribune

Councilmember Natalie Moser’s request for transparency on the Huntington Beach City Council’s plan to relocate “obscene” materials in the library was unsuccessful at Tuesday’s meeting.

The vote was tied 3-3 due to Councilmember Casey McKeon being absent. Councilmembers Moser, Rhonda Bolton and Dan Kalmick voted in favor, while Mayor Gracey Van Der Mark, Mayor Pro Tem Pat Burns and Councilmember Tony Strickland voted against the request. This is consistent with their vote on the original policy from Oct. 17, 2023.

Councilwoman Moser requested for the report to be prepared and requested at the next available City Council meeting, according to the staff report.

Moser wanted information for: criteria for assessment and relocation, a list of relocated materials, newly acquired materials, library access changes, a community engagement and feedback process, digital assets, and clarification on the youth re-carding process.

“The community deserves at the very least to have this information,” said Moser in her opening speech. She stated multiple times that she was still against the original policy, but at least more transparency would be beneficial to the public.

An area of concern shared by both Moser and Kalmick is the legality of the previously adopted policy. Kalmick referenced the Library Bill of Rights by the American Library Association, which stated that “A person’s right to use a library should not be denied or abridged because of origin, age, background, or views.” According to Kalmick, the municipal code states that all policies must be in line with the Library Bill of Rights.

City Attorney Michael Gates said the policy that was passed was completely legal.

Burns, who voted against the request, expressed his trust in the team that is at work relocating these books.

“Can’t we just rely on the expertise of the librarians?” asked Burns, in response to Council Member Bolton.

Meanwhile, Council Member Strickland stated his belief that Moser simply wanted to rehash the decision from October.

“[Councilmember Moser] didn’t like the first vote so now [she] wants to come in and push and say that this is against the law,” said Strickland.

The City Council voted in favor of the policy relocating sexual content on Oct. 17, 2023. The next session is set for March 5 in the council chambers at 2000 Main St.