Suffield library commission hears AI-based review of the collection's political balance
Director asked for the method and prompts; the commission will hear her response at its next meeting
SUFFIELD - Commissioner Nina Kendrick presented a report Oct. 13 using AI to rate the Kent Memorial Library's collection for political viewpoint, according to draft minutes, submitted by Kendrick and not yet approved. The minutes record no vote; the director responds next meeting.
She ran the library's third-quarter inventory through AI prompts. The report found much of the collection neutral but liberal or progressive titles substantially outnumbering conservative ones on current and controversial topics. She urged changes to book buying and displays.
Many commissioners thanked Kendrick. Director Amy Vessella asked for the full method and every prompt used. Some called it an ongoing issue supported by the community needs survey, or a starting point. Others objected that the commission never agreed to the study, that book selection is staff work and that AI prompts can be steered.
Upriver News asked Library Director Amy Vessella for comment on Oct. 20 and had not received a response by deadline.
Three of four residents who spoke later questioned the AI method or praised how staff choose books.
Members agreed to contact police, the middle school principal and youth services about some middle schoolers' after-school behavior.
Source: Kent Memorial Library Commission draft minutes, Oct. 13, 2026 (https://www.suffieldct.gov/fs/resource-manager/view/83e39331-0bba-40d8-a6ec-27dcc09ca246).
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