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DCPS clarifies misinformation about empty school bookshelves

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — The Duval County Public School’s superintendent, Dr. Diana L. Greene is trying to clarify what she says is misinformation about empty bookshelves in schools.

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Action News Jax first showed videos of empty shelves in Duval County schools.

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What has been clarified is that teachers bought 1,300 titles in 2021. This included 180 books to increase diversity of writers and viewpoints. The district quickly learned it received titles that weren’t ordered in the 180 lot of books initially ordered. Those books were held in district storage waiting for review.

During the review, 105 titles from the diverse collection were sent to classrooms in the fall of 2022.

Read: St. Johns County School District updates list of removed books

The district sent 47 book titles back to the seller. Fourteen of those were returned because the district did not order them. Others were titles that were ordered but upon review, were determined to not comply with new rules or were not appropriate for elementary aged children.

As of Feb. 13, 2023, the remaining 27 books have been reviewed and approved for their grade levels. This includes the books about Roberto Clemente and Hank Aaron.

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Dr. Greene says the district did ask teachers to temporarily reduce classroom libraries to previously approved titles.

For more information and facts about library books in Duval County Public Schools click here.