Overview

• Beachwood Police are investigating the burning of 100 library books as a potential hate crime under Ohio vandalism law, with no charges filed yet.
• The suspect checked out the books in two visits to the Beachwood Public Library and later posted videos of the burnings on social media.
• The destroyed books, valued at approximately $1,700, were on topics historically targeted by censorship, including Jewish, African American, and LGBTQ+ subjects.
• The Cuyahoga County Public Library has revoked the suspect’s borrowing privileges and is working to replace the burned books.
• Local interfaith and civic groups have pledged to donate 1,000 books to support free expression and counteract the act of destruction.