BROOKSVILLE — Paper copies of BookPage magazine are gone from Hernando County’s public libraries, though the free book-review publication remains available online, Community Services Director Chris Linsbeck told the County Commission on June 23.
The move follows months of complaints from some residents who argued the magazine pushed a political agenda and that the subscription wasted county money.
Carol Yakimo-Avelo told commissioners the magazine reviewed books that opposed President Donald Trump and other pro-American figures and history, and that it promoted homosexuality, witchcraft and “other questionable behaviors.” She said she does not condone closing libraries or banning books but objected to the system spending public money on what she considered one-sided material.
“When a county library promotes one agenda over another, that’s where the line should be drawn,” Yakimo-Avelo said. “Rather than giving the library more funds at this time, we should be looking at what they’re promoting and why.”
During her presentation, she displayed photos of library board members, including one of a member holding an anti-Trump sign at a political rally.
Other residents urged the commission to keep supporting the system. Beverly Coe said she had seen many people using the library and asked for continued support. Donna Depinet-Dasher said she has borrowed books from the Hernando County library system since 1989 and disputed claims that libraries are obsolete. She said she has taken part in numerous library events, including a staff-led book discussion group.
Commission Chairman Jerry Campbell asked Linsbeck to confirm the magazine had been removed from the shelves and was available online only.
“We do have a subscription that was already paid for, and it’s available online only,” Linsbeck said. “They removed the hard copies.”
Linsbeck said the county decided administratively not to renew the subscription. The library has carried BookPage for 15 years, he said, and each issue contains hundreds of book reviews. After looking through six or seven copies, he said, he did not find the content the magazine’s opponents had described.
“We’re trying to stay politically neutral,” he said.
A library staffer said patrons often took home the free copies, circled the titles that interested them and returned the magazine so staff would know which books to consider adding to the collection.
Essential or not?
County Commissioner Steve Champion questioned whether libraries are an essential service. He said the county may have to cut nonessential services if Gov. Ron DeSantis’ proposed property tax reduction wins approval from 60% of Florida voters. He said he supports libraries but wants them to focus on library services and stay out of politics.
He described some offerings as “the woke stuff” and said “COVID” dividers remained at the workstations. “I don’t know what’s true and what’s not, but it’s all over the internet,” he said.
A library staffer has said the dividers give workstation users privacy and keep their belongings from being mixed up with those of the person sitting next to them.
Champion also said no one in his family uses the library, a remark he made during a presentation on a master plan for the system’s future.
The Spring Hill Drive branch draws the most use, according to that presentation. On a visit June 24, the branch’s parking lot was nearly full. A woman read to a child in a corner, patrons used the library’s computers or their own laptops, and staff assisted customers.
Honoring service dogs
The commission recognized June 27, 2026, as National PTSD Awareness Day, honoring K9 Partners for Patriots for its work pairing service dogs with veterans and active-duty service members coping with post-traumatic stress disorder and helping them reconnect with their families and communities.
Founder Mary Peter thanked the commission for its support as three veterans appeared with their service dogs. They posed for photos after the proclamation was read.
Photos by VINCENT F. SAFUTO/Hernando Today
HT-HCC1-07012026 – The County Commission approved a resolution proclaiming July 4, 2026, the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence.
HT-HCC2-07012026 -- The commission recognized June 27, 2026, as National PTSD Awareness Day, honoring K9 Partners for Patriots for its work with veterans and active-duty service members coping with post-traumatic stress disorder.
HT-HCC3-07012026 – The Hernando County Commission met June 23.
HT-HCC5-07012026 -- The commission recognized June 27, 2026, as National PTSD Awareness Day, honoring the work of K9 Partners for Patriots with veterans and active-duty service members.
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April 29, 2026
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