Huntington Beach Stands Firm: A Community’s Fight to Protect Its Library

On a warm June day in 2025, the streets of Huntington Beach echoed with the chants of devoted locals, their united voices ringing in opposition to political maneuvering they believed threatened one of their most cherished public institutions: their library. As nearly 60% of voters cast their ballots against city council-led initiatives aimed at restricting library access and privatizing operations, the result emerged not just as a political victory but as a powerful testament to community resilience.

A Timeline of Tension

The Seeds of Controversy

In 2023, a seemingly localized conflict began within the city, gaining traction amidst a nationwide surge in book censorship. The galvanizing moment occurred when Councilmember Gracey Van Der Mark proposed restrictions on certain library materials, branding them as “pornography in children’s sections.” This echoed sentiments from wider conservative movements, which sought to limit young people’s access to literature addressing sexuality and identity.

According to the American Library Association’s 2024 report, a staggering 50% of book challenges stemmed from municipal and governmental influences, showcasing a disconcerting trend in public discourse.

Opposing Forces Mobilize

This was not an isolated issue; over the years, Van Der Mark had previously moved crucial works into age-restricted areas within the library, undermining the expertise of trained librarians. Books such as Gender Queer and It’s Perfectly Normal—often recommended for pre-teens and teens—found themselves subject to scrutiny and restriction without due process.

Activist and long-time resident Lucinda Mroch voiced her concerns, stating, “These librarians are professionals with master’s degrees. Their expertise is invaluable in curating diverse narratives. It’s disheartening that their voices were silenced out of fear.”

The Rise of Protect HB

In the wake of the controversial board’s creation—a 21-member review body composed of council-appointed individuals without requisite library qualifications—community members banded together, forming Protect HB, a grassroots organization dedicated to preserving local library resources.

• Measure A: Designed to dissolve the controversial review board.
• Measure B: Aimed at preventing privatization of library operations.

Co-founder of Protect HB, Diana Blotzer-Zimmer, highlighted the diverse composition of the organization: “We welcomed and fought alongside everyone—Democrats, Republicans, and Independents. At heart, this was about protecting our shared community resource.”

Joining forces with the Friends of the Huntington Beach Public Library, the group garnered over 19,000 signatures, exceeding the requirement to place their measures on the ballot. This influx of community support underscored a collective yearning to empower librarians and hold elected officials accountable.

The Electorate Responds

As the special election approached, tensions mounted. Residents echoed frustrations about the city council’s attempts to limit public input, with reports stating that speaking time was slashed during council meetings. “It felt like they were shutting us down,” recalled Paula Jean Lazicki, a vocal advocate from Protect HB. “It was like they had already made up their minds.”

Even as the council accelerated the timeline for a vote, costing taxpayers upwards of $1.3 million, public sentiment against the council’s initiatives grew. Campaigning on both sides sharpened, with inflammatory rhetoric heightening the stakes. Yet amid this, a prevailing narrative emerged: the library was intrinsically tied to the community’s identity.

Victory for the Community

When the polls closed on June 10, 2025, the results revealed a profound shift. Opposition to the council’s initiatives prevailed, with Measures A and B passing by nearly 60% each. “The library has always been the heart of the city,” remarked Blotzer-Zimmer. “This wasn’t merely a political win; it was a unified statement that communities can come together to protect their essential services.”

The outcome serves as a powerful reminder of the potential impact of grassroots organizing. With prominent scholars like Dr. Jennifer Langston from the University of California noting that “local activism is crucial in creating resilient public institutions,” Huntington Beach now stands as an example of how civic engagement can triumph over divisive politics.

As the sun sets over Huntington Beach, the collective spirit of its residents remains palpable. The library not only stands unshackled from political interference, but it also thrives as a community pillar, a sanctuary for learning, and a testament to what can be achieved when citizens prioritize collective well-being above political agendas.