The North Shelby Library will be keeping a Pride Month display in its children’s section after its board Monday voted that the display was “not age-inappropriate.”

At issue was a display of several children’s books with LGBTQ themes, along with the card, “Take Pride in Reading.”

Among the books displayed were “Julian Is a Mermaid,” about a boy who wishes to participate in the Coney Island Mermaid Parade; “Melissa’s Story,” about a transgender girl, “Calvin,” the story of a transgender boy, “Morris Micklewhite and the Tangerine Dress,” a story about a boy bullied for wearing a dress, and other works.

Kate Etheredge, the library director, said the library has had a Pride month display in the children’s, young adult and adult sections since 2010.

In a statement, Etheredge said the library “has displays in our departments for major holidays and recognition months.”

“Our goal when creating displays is to provide easy access to materials that people may be searching for because of current events, popularity, holidays, or national celebrations,” Etheredge stated. “The displays also help make sure all patrons see themselves and their families reflected in the library.”

CBS 42 reported that remarks at the Monday meeting were reserved for district residents and held to two minutes.

Audience members who spoke in favor of removing the display said they were not interested in censorship or book banning, but instead wanted the display moved or changed to another location.

Those who wanted to keep the display said it was important for children to see representation.

“I do not want any book censored,” said Shelby County resident Noah Webster, speaking in favor of removing the display, according to 1819 News. “The issue at hand today is about displays of books made available for children, children who are learning primary colors, not necessarily political connotations for a rainbow.”

1819 News is a website that was once owned by the Alabama Policy Institute.

“All we’re asking for is: Why do we need a special display?” minister Micheal Tribble asked, according to that report.

“Disagreement does not equal hate,” Tribble added. “I would say to the people on the other side of the argument that if you think that because I disagree with you that I hate you then by definition that means you hate me.”

Etheredge said the “responsibility for the choice of library materials to check out for minors rests with their parents or legal guardians.”

“The children’s display includes age-appropriate materials about families of all kinds, love, kindness, being yourself, and LGBTQ+ history,” Etheredge said. “The library staff are ready to assist patrons who want to find books that are appropriate for their family.”