The Fairhope Public Library in Alabama is currently at the center of a contentious debate over its book selections, reflecting a larger national struggle involving library content. Intense scrutiny followed the Alabama Public Library Service Board of Trustees’ recent decision to cut off state funding to the library. This decision was prompted by complaints from conservative parents regarding the appropriateness of certain books in the library’s teen section. In the same board meeting, the executive director of the state library agency was unexpectedly dismissed, even though she had plans to resign.
Board Chairman John Wahl, who also leads the Alabama Republican Party, stated that the board concluded the Fairhope library was breaching state policies intended to protect children from certain materials. Complaints centered around books like “Sold,” a finalist for the National Book Award, which tackles the sensitive issue of child sexual slavery in India.
This development is part of a broader cultural debate about library content, especially regarding books dealing with LGBTQIA+ themes or containing sexual narratives. The American Library Association reported that many such books were among the most contested titles in 2023. Amber Frey, from Read Freely Alabama, criticized the board’s actions, suggesting that they ignored the opinions of local taxpayers and library patrons.
The Fairhope Library’s loss of funding stems from a new Alabama law and administrative code slated for implementation in 2024. These regulations stipulate that to qualify for state funding, libraries must shield youth from “sexually explicit or otherwise inappropriate materials.” Wahl argues this does not entail banning books but insists they must be removed from youth sections in adherence to state rules.
Wahl expressed the board’s commitment to empowering Alabama families, even if it involves temporarily defunding libraries until they adhere to the guidelines. During the board meeting, parents voiced their concerns by reading excerpts they found unsuitable for teenagers. Clean Up Alabama and Moms for Liberty, who had been advocating for restrictions, commended the board’s decision, declaring it a protective measure for children.
Randal Wright, the secretary of the Fairhope Public Library board, expressed shock over the decision, stating it was unexpected. Previously, the library had received complaints about 35 books and completed a review process that deemed them suitable for teenagers. Although a request for a new evaluation under the updated state policies was made, the library board decided against removing the books, confident in their initial assessment.
Wright believes the objections come from a minority of people and that the wider community continues to support the library. In response to the financial setback, Read Freely Alabama initiated a fundraising campaign to replace the $42,000 in lost state funding, raising $8,000 by Friday afternoon.
Additionally, the board dismissed Nancy Pack, who had led the Alabama library service since 2014. Pack, a librarian of over 30 years, had been planning to resign but was let go abruptly due to disagreements over library policy implementations. She lamented the politicization of libraries and emphasized the distress it causes library staff, leading many to retire from the profession under current pressures.