Alabama Public Library Service: The Alabama Public Library Service recently unveiled its new online portal, allowing parents, concerned citizens, and organizations to identify books they consider inappropriate for children. This decision followed pressure from advocacy groups, lawmakers, and Governor Kay Ivey to implement policies restricting children’s access to explicit or controversial material.
Submissions via the online portal must include the book title, page number of alleged explicit content, and identifying information. The submissions, restricted to in-state individuals or groups, won’t be public but shared with public library directors for their discretion.
Clean Up Alabama, a nonprofit advocating for library improvements, was a prominent voice in urging libraries to screen children’s material. Lawmakers like State House Speaker Nathaniel Ledbetter and Rep. Scott Stadthagen pushed for action, hinting at funding cuts if the issue persisted. Governor Ivey removed Virginia Doyle from the Library Board in November for criticizing lawmakers.
Rep. Susan DuBose welcomed the online portal but expressed hope for broader accessibility, emphasizing its value for librarians’ decision-making. The controversy also involves calls to end the Alabama library system’s affiliation with the American Library Association (ALA).
Advocacy groups and lawmakers, dissatisfied with ALA President Emily Drabinski’s comments, labeled for her Marxist association, urged the Library Board to sever ties with ALA. Despite plans to vote on disassociation in November, the decision was postponed to January, with Library Board Director Nancy Pack indicating a shift in her stance.
ALSO READ: Alabama Response to Public Library Service Exit: from American Library Association
Our Reader’s Queries
What are the largest libraries in Alabama?
With 19 branches and a main library in downtown Birmingham, Alabama, the Birmingham Public Library is a big player in the southeastern United States.
What is the purpose of the ALA?
The American Library Association leads in advancing, advocating, and enhancing library and information services and the profession of librarianship to improve education and guarantee information access for everyone.
Is there still a need for public libraries?
Libraries offer a safe haven for vulnerable groups like children and people without stable housing, from opening to closing time. They also store and protect historical documents for everyone to access.
Who is the director of the Alabama library?
Dr. Nancy C. Pack is the director of the Alabama Public Library Service.