Members of the Monroeville community spoke at Tuesday night’s council meeting with passion on both sides of a decision to remove a Pride Month book display from the children’s section of the Monroeville Public Library.
“Not every collection will appeal to all people, but we remain committed to providing the public with materials that reflect their experiences,” library board President Kelly Meredith said.
Meredith was referring to a special section of LGBTQ-themed books put up during Pride Month in June. Meredith said several members of Monroeville council who objected to the display directed Monroeville Municipal Manager Alex Graziani to have the display removed a few days before the end of the month. Councilmen Bill Krut and Bob Williams also spoke out against the display at the library’s June 22 board meeting.
On his “Bill Krut (Monroeville Council Ward 4)” Facebook page, Krut said the book display amounted to “child sexual grooming,” a comment that angered many of the people who packed Monroeville’s council chambers well beyond capacity Tuesday night.
Residents packed the Monroeville council's chambers and reception room at Tuesday's meeting, most to address a decision to remove an LGBTQ-themed book display from the Monroeville Public Library last month. pic.twitter.com/vhbcrVTbaS
— Patrick Varine – Tribune-Review (@VarineTrib) July 8, 2026
“This city and this council has got to do better,” resident Scott McQuiston said. “We’ve got to keep an eye on what our local government is doing at our public library and the trajectory of what government is trying to do in our lives.”
McQuiston said access to the types of books in the special section might have helped him avoid a yearslong struggle with depression in his younger days.
“I’m saddened to see people on this council making division and creating hate in this community,” said resident Amy Mitchell. “We need to have unity in this wonderful community.”
Resident Jim Aiello said he supported Krut’s objection to the library’s special section.
“Men are realizing that the world is telling them to sit aside, be passive become soft,” Aiello said. “Jesus taught us to love one another. Honestly, you have the freedom to live your life as you wish. I have a gay brother, and I love him very much. But I think people are confusing love with total acceptance.”
Several speakers who supported the library questioned why council members’ objections weren’t voiced through the library’s existing reconsideration policy for books.
Former council member Lois Drumheller said council members had made “an emotional decision” in directing the library to remove the section.
“It looks to me like this council has forgotten a couple laws,” Drumheller said. “One is the Sunshine Act, and the other is the Monroeville municipal charter. If you couldn’t wait to express an opinion, I’m fine with that. We could’ve (followed the reconsideration policy) and had a very good discussion about this, a public discussion in a lawful manner.”
Pennsylvania NewsMedia Association attorney Melissa Melewsky said council’s actions raise “serious” questions about whether it is following the Sunshine Act.
Resident Dana Elmendorf said the removal of the section gave the impression that some members of council do not want the town’s LGBTQ population to be visible.
“My wife and I pay taxes, do a lot of shopping and take care of our yard,” she said. “I say that to remind you that we’re a vital part of this community, and we’re not going anywhere just because some books were taken down.”
Council’s meeting Tuesday night did not include any voting or action items. Mayor Dennis Biondo said residents who did not get a chance to speak would be heard at the upcoming council voting meeting, set for 7 p.m. July 14 at the municipal building on Monroeville Boulevard.
Meetings can be viewed live at Monroeville.pa.us by navigating to the “Communication” page and clicking on the “Monroeville Municipal Television” link.