Elected leaders in Macon County say they have no plans to exit the regional library system even as officials in one neighboring county weigh breaking ties – part of a years-long tangle over library programming, which some have charged as too political.
Macon County is a part of the library system along with Jackson and Swain counties. In November 2024, the three counties updated the Fontana Regional Library agreement after over two years of discussions.
“It’s kind of popped back up, the library issues with Jackson County. I don’t know what’s going on over there, but I just want to go on the record again as saying I’m not interested in pulling out of the FRL,” Macon County Commissioner Barry Breedan said during Tuesday’s meeting.
Last week, Jackson County Commissioners discussed leaving the Fontana Regional Library System, citing issues with “left-leaning content” as well as what they call general mismanagement. Commissioners are expected to address the topic again on May 20.
“In light of the recent developments in Jackson County, I’d like to say that we have no control over what other counties do,” Commissioner Danny Antoine said. “If they decide to do something like pull out, that is a Jackson County or a Swain County issue. That is not a Macon County issue.”
Still, Commissioner John Shearl said he took issue with what he described as past materials related to “sexuality” in the library. “Some of the things we have fought in the library, I’m not willing to let those come back to the library,” Shearl said.
“That library needs to be neutral. It does not need to promote any sexuality for anyone. It does not need to have feminine products in the men’s restroom…” Shearl said.
BPR confirmed with the Macon County Library that no public library in the county has feminine hygiene products for the public inside any of the bathrooms.
Macon County Librarian Abby Hardison explained that both the libraries in Franklin and Highlands have community "Caring Corners" in the main public areas, which have a variety of free donated items available.
“Anyone can take whatever they or their families need. Examples can include personal and dental hygiene products, bug spray, sunblock, hand sanitizer, COVID test kits, school supplies, small individually-wrapped snacks, and some topical first aid items, but not oral over-the-counter medications,” Hardison explained in an email.
