Alabama Response to Public Library Service Exit: Librarians and organizations are split on the Alabama Public Library Service (APLS) director Nancy Pack’s proposal to exit the American Library Association (ALA).
Pack quietly conveyed her decision and suggested segregating potentially inappropriate children’s books to secure state funding. The APLS board will decide on November 16.
Read Freely Alabama expressed disappointment, stating they understood Gov. Kay Ivey‘s funding threat but argued content separation amounts to censorship. They stressed that age-appropriate categorization already exists in Alabama libraries.
North Shelby library director Kate Etheredge, disheartened by the decision, emphasized the First Amendment principles, irrespective of ALA affiliation.
Alyx Kim-Yohn from Huntsville-Madison County Public Library criticized the conflation of LGBTQ+ and anti-racist content with ‘sexually explicit’ and ‘inappropriate’ content. They deemed it a form of censorship by groups like Clean Up Alabama and Moms For Liberty.
Cullman County interim library director Josephine Harrington felt the decision was hasty but later learned that funds were at risk if APLS didn’t leave ALA.
Conservative group Eagle Forum commended those opposing ‘obscene’ content, seeing the exit from ALA as a positive step. They hope future library selections prioritize classic children’s literature and adhere to timeless values.
Clean Up Alabama asserted the fight wasn’t over, expressing concerns about officials determining content appropriateness.
The debate reflects tensions between safeguarding children and preserving intellectual freedom in Alabama libraries.
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Our Reader’s Queries
Are public libraries declining?
Abrams’ article noted a 31% decrease in library visits from 2000 to 2018. While some may not see the decline of public libraries as significant, for many, they are an essential resource.
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The Alabama Public Library Service, based in Montgomery, AL, is the official state library agency for Alabama.