A disturbing act of book burning targeting African American history, Jewish heritage, and LGBTQ+ education has sparked outrage and launched an active investigation in Beachwood, Ohio. Authorities confirmed that an unidentified man checked out 100 books from the Beachwood Public Library—many focused on African American historical narratives—before allegedly setting them ablaze and sharing his actions on social media.
The incident has alarmed local leaders, historians, and advocates for free expression, especially those deeply invested in preserving Black history and the hard-fought stories of marginalized communities.
According to the Beachwood Police Department, the man applied for a new library card on April 2 and checked out 50 books that same day. A week later, on April 10, he returned and borrowed another 50 titles—many of which were labeled with Cuyahoga County Public Library stickers and documented as texts focusing on African American history, Jewish studies, and LGBTQ+ themes.
His actions came to light when the Princeton University Bridging Divides Initiative (BDI), a research organization that tracks political violence in the United States, alerted library officials after the man allegedly posted a photo of the books in the trunk of his car on Gab.com, a far-right social media platform. In the post, he reportedly declared he was “cleansing” the libraries.
A subsequent video surfaced showing the same man burning what appeared to be the books he borrowed, prompting concerns of politically motivated bias and hate.
While the books were not yet due to be returned, the gravity of the situation was not lost on Cuyahoga County Public Library officials. Kate McCreary, the library’s Chief Communications and External Relations Officer, and Head Security Coordinator Ryan Grame quickly moved to document the incident with Beachwood Police. If the books are not returned or replaced, officials say the borrower will be billed, and the charges could be sent to collections.
Still, authorities are treating the case with seriousness. “We are investigating this thoroughly,” said Beachwood Police Chief Dan Grispino. “We reject antisemitism and all forms of hate. Our commitment is to ensure that Beachwood remains a safe space—free from intimidation and bias-based attacks.”
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The case is being reviewed to determine if the man’s actions warrant criminal charges. As of May 2, police said the matter could lead to a civil penalty due to the library’s contractual policies, but prosecutors are assessing whether probable cause exists to pursue criminal charges.
Ohio State Senator Kent Smith added his voice to the growing chorus of condemnation. “This isn’t just a petty act of destruction. It’s an assault on our values,” Smith said in a May 9 statement. “Burning books—especially those that document the lives, struggles, and contributions of African Americans—is fundamentally un-American. Libraries represent the foundation of open knowledge and freedom of thought. To target that is to target democracy itself.”
This incident is a chilling echo of darker times in history when the destruction of Black literature was a tool of oppression. From the burning of Black-owned printing presses during the Jim Crow era to the censoring of authors like Toni Morrison and James Baldwin, history shows us that erasing stories is often the first step toward erasing rights.
In a nation still grappling with how to tell its full and honest history, including the legacy of slavery, segregation, and systemic racism, the burning of books that center Black voices is not only symbolic—it is deeply consequential.
For many in the Beachwood community and beyond, this moment is a stark reminder of why preserving African American history in public libraries matters now more than ever. It’s not just about books. It’s about protecting the space for truth, reflection, and growth.
As the investigation continues, the public awaits not only accountability—but also a reaffirmation that these stories deserve to be read, taught, and passed down—not turned to ash.
