MONTGOMERY — In a very tense ending to what had been a three-hour meeting, the Alabama Public Library Service (APLS) board voted to terminate the employment of APLS director Nancy Pack, who has been at the center of an over-year-long dispute in the state regarding sexually explicit or obscene material in the state's public libraries, specifically intended for minors.
After residents in Prattville drew attention to the books in the local library, citizens across the state began advocating for either the removal or retention of the purportedly obscene books. In addition to petitioning city councils and county commissions, residents began attending APLS board meetings, asking them to address the books or leave them be.
From the beginning, those who opposed obscene books found Pack to be much more sympathetic to those advocating keeping them in libraries.
RELATED: State library director appears to have played role in Madison, Millbrook library events
Since the board elected Alabama Republican Party chairman and APLS District 5 board member John Wahl to serve as the chairman, Pack has also made disparaging remarks about the efforts to remove sexually explicit material from libraries.
On Thursday, after hearing nearly two hours of public comment, followed by regular board business, Wahl stated that he had received and accepted Pack's resignation letter, which was to take effect on September 30.
However, board member Amy Minton swiftly motioned to terminate Pack, saying she believed "APLS needs an immediate shift in direction."
"This is not personal," Minton said. "I want to thank Dr. Pack for her service to the APLS organization."
Without any discussion, the board approved Pack's termination, with board member Ron Snider, Wahl's predecessor, being the only "no" vote. He also went on to call some board members "extremists."
"This is an awfully dark day for Alabama libraries and the people of Alabama who love libraries," Snider said. "Dr. Pack is being terminated not because of her performance. Because, over her tenure, state aid for local libraries has increased 60%."
"But she's being terminated as a result of unfounded allegations made about her by extremists, including on this board, who believe she is not sufficiently supporting censorship," he added.
Wahl responded by backing up his reasons for voting to terminate, saying other board members had found Pack disrespectful and were treated negatively.
Pack, obviously emotional and tripping over her words, criticized Wahl and others on the board, accusing some of supplying information to 1819 News.
"As long as you have board members like that, John, I do not want to work for this organization," Pack said, packing her things.
"I have no desire to work for APLS for the betterment of Alabama libraries. I've done my duty. Ten years, I've made them what they were. I've worked with state aid from .78 cents to $1.29. I've worked with legislators. I have legislators that respect me. I'm sorry some of the board members' feelings are hurt, but you have to have a strong leader in this position," she added.
Pack requested a couple of paid weeks to clean her office and organize her files. After the APLS lawyer stated that the termination was immediate and that board staff would inventory and pack her items, Pack left the room while mumbling various comments. Snider swiftly followed behind her, leaving before the meeting adjourned.
The board also appointed Kelyn Ralya with APLS as acting director.
Clean Up Alabama, a group formed out of the library fight and who spoke at Thursday's board meeting, has been the leading voice calling for Pack's firing. After the vote, the group applauded the board's decision.
"Finally, after years of resistance to protecting children in Alabama libraries, Nancy Pack has been rightfully removed as APLS director," the statement read. "We look forward to the leadership of Interim Director Kelyn Ralya and the continued commitment to safeguarding Alabama's children from harmful materials."
To connect with the author of this story or to comment, email [email protected].
Don't miss out! Subscribe to our newsletter and get our top stories every weekday morning.
