(Texas Scorecard) – Llano Independent School District has removed the book “Crank” by Ellen Hopkins, as well as the entire “18 and over” section from the Llano High School library, according to a sworn affidavit from Superintendent Lindsay “Mac” Edwards. The action comes after ongoing challenges over explicit content in the district’s libraries, led most prominently by resident Bonnie Wallace.
In the affidavit, Edwards confirms the removal of “Crank” from district library contents, stating it “will not be returned,” along with the elimination of the library’s “18 and over section” intended for mature audiences.
This move follows Wallace’s formal grievances, in which she challenged the presence of numerous books she deemed “vulgar or inappropriate” for minors in the Llano ISD libraries. Wallace said “Crank” is even prohibited in state prisons due to its depiction of illegal sex acts, which violates the standards set by the Texas Department of Criminal Justice for materials allowed to inmates.
“I just really want to thank them,” Wallace told Texas Scorecard regarding the district’s decision. “But two, I want to encourage others who are challenging books to keep fighting. Don’t hold, just keep going.”
“This is a spiritual battle, and we just need to stand and look at our victory. I mean, this is amazing,” Wallace shared.
She identified over 200 books for removal, citing explicit sexual or drug-related content as detrimental to students.
When Wallace began submitting formal requests to reconsider specific books, Llano ISD revised its review policy to restrict such challenges to district employees or parents/guardians of district students. She believes this was done specifically to limit her ability to file further complaints.
Previous challenges led to the removal of “Call Me by Your Name” and ended student participation in book review committees, both seen by Wallace as victories.
With the decision to close the adult section of the library, Wallace estimated that the district removed around 70 books that she says violated Texas’ READER Act and subsequent legislation intended to protect children from harmful material.
The READER Act requires districts to eliminate materials deemed “sexually explicit, harmful, pervasively vulgar, or educationally unsuitable” from libraries accessible to minors.
Senate Bill 13, passed earlier this year, institutes “library advisory councils” consisting of at least five members appointed by the school district’s board of trustees to oversee the procurement of new books.
It also expands the definition of what constitutes harmful material and requires the board of trustees to publicize the list of newly proposed library materials for at least 30 days before final approval.
Wallace said she attended last month’s school board meeting to provide the members with book reports regarding materials in the adult section. She also informed the members that SB 13 takes effect on September 1. “These books will now be illegal in Texas schools, and so you need to remove them.”
Despite the progress, Wallace remains committed to the cause, noting that Llano ISD libraries still contain harmful books. “They still have maybe 100, but praise God, because 100 is a lot easier to get under control than 218, which it was a couple weeks ago when I counted,” she noted.
Her message to others is one of encouragement and persistence: “I just want to shout from the rooftops and encourage others. We can make a difference. We can protect the children in our communities. But it requires work and persistence.”
Llano ISD did not respond to Texas Scorecard’s request for comment regarding the closure of the adult section before publication.