For the record:<\/p>\n
5:02 p.m. Sept. 5, 2025This article has been updated with the correct name of Judge Lindsey Martinez. <\/p>\n
In February, the ACLU Foundation of Southern California was among the groups that filed suit against the city<\/a>, arguing that its policies were in violation with the California Freedom to Read Act.<\/p>\n Martinez agreed, also rejecting Huntington Beach\u2019s argument that it didn\u2019t have to comply with the act as a charter city.<\/p>\n Erin Spivey, a former Huntington Beach librarian who was among the plaintiffs in the lawsuit, said that Friday\u2019s decision was a victory for democracy.<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019ve always been of the belief that the library is the most democratic institution in the country,\u201d Spivey said. \u201cWhoever walks in the door is equal to every other person who walks in the door. They are all welcome, and they should all be represented in our collection. So, every part of me fully believes in what we are doing here today.\u201d<\/p>\n Patrons at the Huntington Beach Central Library in 2023.<\/p>\n (File photo)<\/p>\n Martinez ruled that attorneys for the plaintiffs have 30 days to submit a proposed writ of mandate, stating how they expect Huntington Beach to comply with the ruling. Examples that Spivey gave included removing the restricted books area from the fourth floor of the Central Library, as well as removing the restricted books list from the website.<\/p>\n She added that the library may want to reestablish the \u201cyoung adult\u201d section as well.<\/p>\n \u201cToday is bringing me hope, in that the law is on our side,\u201d Spivey said. \u201cI know that unfortunately, the city of Huntington Beach will most likely require the court ordering them how to comply with the law. That has been their modus operandi when dealing with the courts and legal challenges. I don\u2019t expect them to comply without that writ of mandate from the court, but I know that it is eventually going to happen.\u201d<\/p>\n In June 2023, the Huntington Beach City Council introduced the idea<\/a> of making certain books that were sexual in nature inaccessible to children. The council passed a resolution<\/a> proposed by then-mayor pro tem Gracey Van Der Mark. Titled Resolution No. 2023-41, it introduced a parent-guardian review board that was established with Ordinance No. 4318. It also directed library staff to relocate children\u2019s books deemed inappropriate or obscene to another section of the library.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n