The Alabama Public Library Service (APLS) paused funding to the Fairhope Public Library after the library only received half of its expected $44,000, and library leaders said that could mean cuts.
The funding was paused after parents approached the APLS with concerns about possible inappropriate and sexually explicit materials in the children and teen collections.
While a vote on the matter was expected at the APLS meeting in November, the board voted to put off a vote until APLS chairman John Wahl can finish reading all challenged books.
Fairhope Library Director Robert Gourlay told 1819 News there are concerns over the loss of funding because the APLS has already disbursed funding the library did not receive and those funds will not be paid retroactively if funding does resume.
“Yes, any source of funds is important, especially when it is stable support like state aid historically has been,” Gourlay said.
Gourlay said the library is waiting for a final decision to be made by APLS but in the meantime, talks about making cuts are underway.
“That is still being discussed, but some potential items could be book purchases, programming, or possibly digital resources,” said Gourlay. “As I said, it is still being considered.”
Earlier this year, approximately $46,000 was raised by Chicago-based, progressive crowdfunding source EveryLibrary after funding was paused. The amount was more than double the amount the state withheld. Gourlay said the library has not accepted those funds but may request them soon.
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