GWINNETT COUNTY, Ga. — A best-selling series of steamy novels is being barred from Gwinnett County Public Libraries.
"Fifty Shades of Grey" is the first in a best-selling trilogy by E. L. James. It's labeled an erotic romance for a mature audience.
The book is sold out in many local bookstores. Channel 2's Kerry Kavanaugh picked up the last copy the Duluth Barnes & Noble on Pleasant Hill Road had.
But you won't find it at any of the 15 Gwinnett County library branches. Library policy bans the entire erotica genre.
Kavanaugh found patrons at the Hamilton Mill Branch disappointed and confused.
"I've been trying to get it at the library," said patron Merrilyn David. "It's a library. You should have all type of books available. If you want to read it, take it out. It's your choice."
"Oh, I love it. I read it. I love it," said patron Elaine Nelson. "Well, it's definitely not for a young audience, but I like it."
"I think it should be available to whoever wants to come and read it," said patron Diane Garfield.
Library officials say they didn't pull the books from their shelves; its part of their policy. The novel is classified as erotica, which is something Gwinnett County Public Libraries doesn't collect.
"One of the things that seems to be the perception is that somehow, this book and this trilogy has been singled out for exclusion, and that's not the case," said Director of Library Materials Management Deborah George.
George said the "no erotica" rule has been in place for years. He said the libraries have a limited budget and aim to carry genres the majority of the community wants.
"[The question is], 'Is there enough interest in our community to start a new collection?' And I don't think there is," George said.
But Kavanaugh discovered there's definitely interest in the book.
http://bcove.me/hu2e9n4d
"I would really like to get the book on hold at the library today, and I can't find it anywhere when I try to buy it," said patron Kim Anthony.
Library officials said they have only received a dozen official requests for the book since February.
The library said they have a system where you can request a book, and they will locate it in another library system and have it delivered to your branch.
You can do that from home through the library's website.