HUNTINGTON BEACH Central Library (Flickr/cclark395).

By Jim Tortolano/Orange County Tribune

A controversial proposal to issue a “request for proposals” for the operation of Huntington Beach’s library system by private companies won approval Tuesday night on a 4-3 vote at Tuesday’s meeting of the city council.

The council majority of Mayor Gracey Van Der Mark, Mayor Pro Tem Pat Burns and Councilmembers Tony Strickland and Casey McKeon were in favor, with Councilmembers Rhonda Bolton, Dan Kalmick and Natalie Moser opposed.

Later in the meeting – with the same voting lineup – the council approved an ordinance creating a “community-parent guardian review board for the review of procurement of children’s library material.”

A capacity crowd filled the city council chambers with most of those present voicing their opposition to both measures.

The city received 598 e-mails regarding what critics called the “privatization” of the library system, according to the city clerk.

Of the first 50 speakers – 108 people signed up to speak – 47 voiced opposition to the proposed library changes and three voiced support.

One speaker accused the council majority of “seeking to destroy the library.” Another called a private firm taking over libraries to be a “parasite.”

One supporter of the proposals cited a “children’s book” with drawings of nude adults and children swimming together.

Moser noted “the gall of creating a ‘We Love Our Libraries’  program” at the same time outsourcing is being considered. Burns said that a request for proposal was not the final step and it might not finally be enacted.