An Ohio man has checked out and burned over 100 books from a local library on topics relating to race, religion, and particularly LGBTQ+ and Jewish people. Even as the community has reacted with outrage, neighbors have banded together to donate to replace the 100 destroyed books with 1,000.
According to the local ABC affiliate, a man visited the Cuyahoga County Public Library in Beachwood on April 22 to check out 50 books. He posted a photo to social media showing the books in his trunks, writing the caption that he was “cleansing” the library.
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Viewers reported the photo to the library. When the man returned to check out 50 more books, he claimed he was trying to learn because his son is part of the LGBTQ+ community.
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Later, the man filmed himself burning all 100 books. The video was subsequently reported to both the library, who suspended the man’s account to prevent him from destroying more books, and the Beachwood police, who have opened an investigation.
“The Beachwood Police Department is actively investigating this incident,” a police statement read. “Our department stands against antisemitism and all acts of bias-motivated crimes. We are committed to vigorously investigating and prosecuting any hate-motivated incidents within the City of Beachwood. Our priority is to maintain a community that can thrive without the fear of threats of intimidation or violence.”
In the meantime, the local community is ensuring the lost books are not just replaced but multiplied. On Monday, the Interfaith Group Against Hate (IGAH) gathered at the Fairmount Presbyterian Church around a table with a Pride flag.
“Whoever perpetuated the idea that you can burn us out of Cleveland, deport us out of Cleveland, deny our ideas, oppress us and frighten us picked the wrong community,” said Robert Nosanchuk, Senior Rabbi at Congregation Mishkan Or.
“Let’s use this moment to—instead of stand in fear—to stand against this oppressive act, deepen our convictions to learn each other’s faith, culture, values,” Nosanchuk continued.
The IGAH has pledged to donate 10 books for every 1 that was burned, amounting to 1,000 books. The library has also confirmed that their stock will be replenished.
“Cuyahoga County Public Library is not commenting on this ongoing investigation,” the library said. “However, we have taken steps to protect our staff, customers, and property. This customer has been restricted from all Cuyahoga County Public Library properties and their borrowing privileges have been revoked. We are in the process of replacing the books in question.”
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