13-05-2025
Beachwood library speaks out for first time since dozens of books were burned
BEACHWOOD, Ohio (WJW) — A local library is speaking out for the first time after a disturbing incident that police are investigating as a potential hate crime.
Officials said a man checked out dozens of books centered on Jewish history, Black experiences and LGBTQ topics—then allegedly burned them.
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According to Beachwood police, the man first visited the Beachwood branch of the Cuyahoga County Public Library on April 2, when he checked out 50 books.
The next day, investigators said a photo appeared online showing a car trunk filled with those books and a caption referencing 'cleansing the libraries.'
The titles of the books matched those recently checked out, prompting police to begin an investigation. One week later, officials said the same man returned to check out 50 more books.
Staff members grew suspicious of his behavior and reported the incident to authorities.
Police later discovered a video online that allegedly shows the man burning the books.
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In a statement to FOX 8, library officials said, 'We are not commenting on this ongoing investigation. We have taken steps to protect our staff, customers, and property. At this time, the customer has been restricted from all Cuyahoga County Public Library properties and their borrowing privileges have been revoked.'
Elizabeth Oestreicher, a Cleveland Heights resident who is both Jewish and a member of the LGBTQ+ community, spoke with Fox 8 about the emotional impact of the act.
'I think it's a move towards censorship and a move towards erasing history,' she said.
Oestreicher added that the act immediately reminded her of darker moments in world history.
'I think my first thought was just the 1930s in Germany and the book burnings that happened then,' she said.
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Investigators said the total value of the books exceeds $1,700. The case was first flagged by a national group that monitors online extremism, and Beachwood police are still actively investigating.
Once their investigation is complete, the matter will be referred to a city prosecutor to determine whether charges will be filed. No arrests have been made at this time.
Fox 8 reached out to both Beachwood police and city officials for further comment, but they declined to speak while the case remains open.
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