Helena resident Paul Cohen is asking the library to remove a book from its circulation.

A formal public hearing is scheduled for Tuesday before the Lewis and Clark Library Board of Trustees, at which time public comment will be accepted on the matter.

Helena resident Paul Cohen likes to visit the local library a few times a month, always browsing through the “new books” section.

“It was routine for me to do that,” he said.

In February however, Cohen’s visit became anything but routine when he found “The Joy of Gay Sex” on the bookshelf.

Offended by the content Cohen immediately filled out a request for reconsideration of library material form.

Describing the drawings in the book as “pornographic” he wrote that the library is negligent of providing a “safe place” for children and adolescents when they have access to the material.

Per protocol, the book was reviewed by the library’s collection review committee.

Library Director Judy Hart accepted their recommendation to keep the book in the collection.

“It is the library’s mission and policy to provide access to a marketplace of ideas, accounts and approaches that are varied, divergent, and inclusive, including that which may be controversial or a minority point of view,” Hart wrote in a letter to Cohen in July. “It is, however, our obligation to provide information to all segments of society.”

Dissatisfied with the decision Cohen appealed to trustees in August where about half of the 20 people present testified in support of removing the book.

“We welcome this process,” Hart said of Cohen’s request of a formal hearing. “Every person needs an opportunity to express their feelings about particular items and it’s our and the board’s obligation to provide a venue for that.”

Hart said her earlier decision was based on policies, needs of the community and obligation to serve the entire community.

“In some cases not everyone is going to like some choices as well as others,” she said.

The book has been in the library’s circulation since 1993, replacing it several times as new editions came out.

Most recently, the library purchased the third edition in November 2007, and it was checked out three times before it was pulled for review in February.

Cohen operates a Christian-based ministry with no denominational affiliation and has lived primarily in Helena since 1987.

“There are a lot of things in the library that are garbage,” he said. “Lots of people would find things objectionable. This was a no-brainer objection.”

Cohen said the book shouldn’t have been purchased with public dollars and should be disposed of.

“I’m not trying to censor the book,” he said, adding that if people want to read it they can buy it at a bookstore.

No decision will be made at the upcoming hearing.

“The board is there to listen,” Hart said.

The facilitated meeting provides an opportunity for opponents and proponents to speak up, and written testimony (one page per person) will be accepted until Oct. 3, at 4 p.m., Hart said.

A decision is expected at the Oct. 21 board meeting.

Reporter Alana Listoe: 447-4081 or alana.listoe@helenair.com