Despite strong opposition from residents, Huntington Beach officials have decided to move forward with installing a commemorative plaque at the city’s central library—one that many argue is a politically charged statement.
The plaque, intended to mark the Huntington Beach Central Library’s 50th anniversary, features an acrostic slogan reading “MAGA,” which aligns with the widely recognized campaign slogan of former President Donald Trump. The phrase—Magical, Alluring, Galvanizing, Adventurous—does not appear to have any prior connection to the library’s history or branding, sparking concerns that the decision was politically motivated.
News of the proposal quickly spread online, leading to a wave of backlash. At Tuesday’s meeting of the Huntington Beach Community and Library Services Commission, residents packed the room to express their disapproval.
Local journalist Matt Szabo, who covered the meeting, noted the overwhelming discontent, stating on Bluesky: “More than 300 emails opposed this, and most of the overflow crowd does too.”
Former councilmember Natalie Moser was among those who spoke against the decision, arguing that libraries should remain neutral spaces dedicated to education and inclusivity.
“Libraries are meant to be places of learning and community, not platforms for political messaging,” Moser said. “This plaque sends a divisive message in a space meant to unite people.”
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Public frustration was also evident on social media. In a discussion thread on Reddit, a local resident criticized the city’s decision to spend $7,000 in taxpayer funds on a plaque that, they argued, many people in the community find offensive.
Beyond the political concerns, some residents questioned whether those funds would be better spent on improving library resources rather than a plaque.
This latest controversy follows a history of tension between Huntington Beach officials and the city’s library system. In the past year, the city council has explored outsourcing library operations and imposed new policies requiring librarians to review and relocate books containing what officials deemed “sexually explicit” material—many of which were related to health and puberty education.
Despite these clashes, the plaque will include the names of the current city council members and the Community and Library Services Commission, which had the final say on its approval.
With the vote now finalized, the plaque is set to be installed, though the debate over its message and intent is unlikely to fade anytime soon.
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