HARRISBURG, Pa. - Pennsylvania Representative Mike Kelly is among multiple Republican Pennsylvania lawmakers demanding an investigation into books they describe as "explicit" circulating in libraries at Pennsylvania schools.

A letter written by Representative Fred Keller and signed by the lawmakers was sent to Governor Tom Wolf, and PA Department of Education (PDE) Acting Secretary Eric Hagarty demanded an investigation into recent reports of books containing "sexually explicit images.

In the letter, the lawmakers express concerns echoed by concerned parents regarding "radical indoctrination of children."

"While individual school boards along with school administrators and parent-teacher associations have the authority to add or remove material from libraries, we request that your administration and the PDE take action to investigate instances of explicit material being circulated and decide if further oversight is needed," the letter read.

One book singled out in the letter is "Gender Queer: A Memoir" by Maia Kobabe. The lawmakers say this book contains "concerning and graphic material" and "raises questions as to the relevancy this material plays in the elementary and secondary school environment."

The lawmakers say Pennsylvania needs to be doing everything in its power to make sure students make the most out of learning opportunities in the classroom now that in-person learning has returned, citing a report from the PA Office of Commonwealth Libraries.

"Research studies provide strong evidence that academic achievement is significantly higher where a strong library program exists," the report said.

Lawmakers say they "fail to understand" how these books focus on helping students succeed in the classroom and enhance their academic experience. The lawmakers asked the following questions to the PDE and Wolf Administration:

- What processes are currently in place to review school library material

- How do school boards, schools, and librarians engage with parents to determine age and academically-appropriate content?

- What have the PDE and the Administration done to ensure the focus remains on academic outcomes and student success?

- Has there been any investigation into the matter?

No other books were specifically named in the lawmakers' letter.

21 News reached out to Rep. Keller's press team for comment and was provided with media sources claiming the book contained sexually explicit images.