The second cancellation of an Alabama Public Library Service (APLS) board meeting delayed what was expected to be a vote to remove APLS director Nancy Pack.
Pack 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.
The APLS board was slated to meet last Thursday, and it was rumored that it would vote on Pack's removal. That meeting was rescheduled for the following Thursday, Jan. 23. However, with the incoming week of suspected inclement weather due to winter storms, that meeting has been canceled again.
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 Alabama Public Library System (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.
SEE: State library director appears to have played role in Madison, Millbrook library events
After months of back-and-forth, Gov. Kay Ivey entered the discussion with a public letter to APLS director Nancy Pack in September 2023, demanding an answer on the APLS's posture towards addressing residents' concerns.
Despite behind-the-scenes speculation, Packs' position was never seriously considered in jeopardy until recent shifts in leadership and board membership.
In February 2023, Ivey removed then-board member Virginia Doyle after Doyle levied criticism at Ivey and lawmakers over their efforts to tackle the issue. Ivey replaced Doyle with Amy Minton, who has consistently come down in favor of those opposed to the sexually explicit books.
Several other membership changes came in the following months, including after one board member stepped down due to health issues.
Since then, the vote has been emphatically with those opposing the sexually explicit books. That includes a September vote to replace Ron Snider as board chair since he was limited from seeking another term. The board elected Alabama Republican Party chairman and APLS District 5 board member John Wahl to serve as the chairman, going against Snider's recommendation for his own replacement.
SEE: ALGOP's Wahl elected state library board chairman: 'It's a duty that I take seriously'
The vote did not sit well with Pack, who seemed visibly annoyed at the outcome. However, that may have been due to the vote minutes earlier, when the board chose not to grant her a raise despite her speaking in her favor.
Since then, rumors have circulated that Pack's spot in APLS was not long for this world, with some believing she would either step down or be removed by the board. Those have only been amplified by persistent rumors that Pack has been undermining the board, Ivey and lawmakers at various venues in the state, a claim repeated at APLS board meetings when public comment is allowed.
Unlike the board positions, which Ivey appoints, the APLS board is responsible for selecting or removing the director.
To connect with the author of this story or to comment, email craig.monger@1819news.com.
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