Image Credit: City of Cookeville – Luke Eldridge, Vice Mayor / Facebook & Putnam County Library System
Submitted by Connor B. –
Cookeville, Tenn. — Cookeville Vice Mayor Luke Eldridge has led an effort to address the placement of sexually explicit materials in the children’s and young adult sections of the Putnam County Library.
Eldridge, a Cookeville native, youth pastor, father, and community servant who coaches youth soccer, works with the Salvation Army, and serves as a homeless liaison, began raising concerns after hearing from parents in the area.
The effort started in June 2025 when Eldridge submitted formal “Request for Reconsideration” forms for approximately 17 to 18 titles, with documentation later referencing up to 52 books. He provided a 50-page report that included direct excerpts from the materials.
The titles in question include Flamer, All Boys Aren’t Blue, This Book is Gay, Welcome to St. Hell: My Transteen Misadventure, TransMission: My Quest to a Beard, Queerfully and Wonderfully Made: A Guide for LGBTQ Christian Teens, and Two Grooms on a Cake. Some of these books contain descriptions of sexual acts and graphic illustrations according to the documentation presented.
Eldridge has stated that he is not seeking to remove the books from the library’s overall collection, which contains tens of thousands of volumes. Instead, the focus has been on relocating sexually explicit or mature-themed books from youth and children’s sections to the adult section.
He has cited age recommendations, content suitability, Tennessee law regarding minors’ access, and parental responsibility as the basis for the requests. Eldridge has emphasized support for parental rights and has noted the importance of considering child brain development in decisions about material placement.
Library Director Kathryn Wisinger confirmed meetings with Eldridge beginning in June 2025. The library has indicated that it follows its reconsideration policy, handled initially by the director with possible board appeals. Officials have noted that some titles with mature or sexually explicit content have been moved or are planned to be moved to the adult section as part of standard practice. The library has described its selection process as based on professional standards and community needs.
Public discussion occurred at Putnam County Library Board meetings, including the September 9, 2025 session and subsequent meetings in November. Attendance was high, with public comments from residents on both sides of the issue. Some attendees read excerpts from the challenged books, highlighting passages with explicit sexual content. Others spoke in favor of diversity in library materials representing LGBTQ lifestyles.
Eldridge has addressed rumors during the process, including denying claims that he called for the library director’s firing. He has praised library staff for cooperation in meetings. The discussions have also touched on broader county topics, such as library governance, funding, and potential audits under Tennessee rules on content available to minors.
Eldridge holds a background in psychology and has described his involvement as responding to constituent concerns while serving in his elected role as vice mayor and city council member. His public profile highlights service-oriented leadership rooted in conservative values and biblical principles.
As of late 2025 reports, several titles were under review or had been reclassified. The library reconsideration process continued, with emphasis placed on distinguishing between removal of books and their appropriate shelving by age group. Eldridge has maintained that the goal is to ensure materials align with community standards and legal protections for minors while preserving access for adults.
