But that has changed since residents began questioning how books with LGBTQ themes are displayed in the libraries throughout the city.

The library advisory board, which doesn’t set policies, has discussed the issue at meetings where large crowds gathered with some saying the books have no place in libraries while others say the library must meet the needs of everyone in the community.

The next meeting is set for 5:30 p.m. Thursday in the Arlington city council chambers, 101 West Abram Street.

Norma Zuniga, director of library services, said the meetings were moved to the council chambers because of the larger crowds.

“We’ve had library advisory board meetings for decades with no citizen participation. We had well over 100 people at the last meeting wanting to get involved,” she said.

Zuniga said that the debates over books and what is appropriate is spreading from school libraries to public libraries.

“We are seeing a lot more public libraries being questioned about what our purpose is, why we purchase certain books,” she said.

Zuniga said the issue concerning the LGBTQ community isn’t about banning books, but instead how and where they are displayed.

People started questioning the library’s procedures on displaying books last May when the city council issued a Pride Month proclamation.

Zuniga said the library put up a display of books with LGBTQ themes in the children’s and teenage areas of the George W. Hawkes downtown library.

Zuniga formed a committee to work on a proposal for displaying books that included various holidays, cultures and other topics.

The community wanted to see the guidelines, and a draft is on the library’s website, she said.

“People asked, do we have a say in the process. We noticed their only concern was LGBTQ materials,” Zuniga said.

“There were parents who didn’t want their children to see those materials. We have LGBTQ families saying why can’t we get some representation. We are trying to find a middle ground.”

The library posted a draft of its guidelines on displaying books, which recommend that displays of LGBTQ materials should be in the adult areas.

The library also wants residents to complete a short survey that was posted last week. Zuniga said that more than 1,000 people have participated so far.

The library also has a process where people can challenge books, but Zuniga said she hasn’t received any requests from residents.

The advisory board can make recommendations, but it can’t set policies.

“At the end of the day, we have a job, to represent our community as diverse as it may be,” she said.