LEWISTON – A Lewiston woman who refused to return a library book about sexuality pleaded not guilty in court Wednesday morning.

JoAn Karkos, 64, of 10 Kavanagh St. appeared in 8th District Court on a civil charge of failing to return library property.

She told Judge Rick Lawrence she understood the charge. Asked whether she had any questions, she said she had “a lot of them,” but said she would deal with that later.

Her trial was set for May 28.

Because it is a civil violation, not criminal, the Androscoggin County District Attorney’s secretary said that office is not handling the matter. City solicitor Martin Eisenstein said he wasn’t certain who would be prosecuting the case.

Outside, on courthouse steps, Karkos told reporters her act of civil disobedience was necessary to bring to the public’s attention a conspiracy among national groups aimed at controlling children.

Shortly after she exited the courthouse, a woman who identified herself as a teacher confronted Karkos about her objections to the book.

“I’ve never heard anything so ridiculous in my life,” said Stacey Hannon of Greene. Hannon was appearing in court on a theft charge, a court clerk said.

Karkos said she checked books out of Lewiston and Auburn libraries in August, not to read them, but to keep them out of the hands of local children. She sent each library a letter explaining her actions accompanied by a $20.95 check to cover the cost of the unreturned book.

Karkos had hoped local police would cite the library for violating obscenity ordinances. But, following an investigation, police declined to press charges, saying there were no violations. The Lewiston Public Library board brought the charge against Karkos.

At issue is the book “It’s Perfectly Normal,” subtitled, “Changing Bodies, Growing Up, Sex and Sexual Health,” written by Robie H. Harris and illustrated by Michael Emberley. Published in 1993, it has won several educational awards.

It has been hailed by Planned Parenthood and panned by the conservative Concerned Women for America. Both local libraries ordered replacement copies of the book.

The book tackles topics such as abstinence, masturbation and sexually transmitted diseases, featuring cartoon-like illustrations.

Karkos said she doesn’t regret standing her ground, even if it means defending herself in court.

“I’m not worried about the consequences,” she said about the possibility of being found guilty. “I’m going for it.”

She said the book is pornographic and traumatizes children who view its pages. It encourages kids to be sexually active, exposing them to potentially debilitating diseases, she said.

Hannon emerged from the courthouse as Karkos answered reporters’ questions about her protest. The two woman sparred verbally, often talking over each other.

“I think it’s a beautiful book,” said Hannon, who said she wished her parents had given her the book before she got pregnant at age 17.

“Is it beautiful that kids are dying of sex?” Karkos shot back. Other people who shared Karkos’ view showed their support by accompanying her outside the courthouse.