Denver Mayor John Hickenlooper on Wednesday asked the Denver Public Library to investigate concerns that copies of a Spanish-language novella with sexually explicit illustrations were found on its shelves.
Copies were found in the Barnum, Athmar and Hadley libraries.
Library officials said they have had Spanish-language illustrated novels for 13 years but that this is the only one they know of that is sexually graphic. The library has illustrated novels in English and Japanese, as well as Spanish and other languages.
“The format of illustrated novellas (is) very popular,” said Diane La pierre, director of the library’s strategic initiatives. “They are targeted at people who don’t have strong reading skills and are trying to improve.”
Lapierre said the library would follow its reconsideration procedure for the novella, which has been pulled from the shelves.
A review of it will be made by a library committee, which will make a recommendation to City Librarian Rick Ashton.
After concerns about the novella were raised on talk radio Wednesday, Hickenlooper sent the letter asking the library, an independent agency, to expedite its reconsideration procedure.
The mayor also emphasized that while “the particular items in question are in Spanish, the public concern would no doubt extend to similar materials in English and other languages as well.”
