A Madison woman is claiming she was threatened with legal action by an Athens-Limestone County Library board member after sending excerpts from a book in the library aimed at minors with sexually explicit themes.
For nearly two years, state leaders have focused on a statewide controversy surrounding public libraries and the material found in them. Residents across the state have taken to library boards, city councils, county commissions, state boards and state lawmakers to address the preponderance of sexually explicit and LGBTQ-promoting books intended for minors in local libraries.
The drama has led to proposed legislative fixes, Alabama Public Library Service (APLS) administrative rule changes and further outcry from residents as they investigate their local libraries.
One such resident is Rachel Homolak, who has been actively addressing books at the Athens-Limestone Public Library and the Huntsville Public Library.
Homolak told 1819 News that she tried to contact new Limestone County-appointed board member Vicki Hereford about ongoing library issues after the library revised its board structure in January amid accusations of hoarding power with the City of Athens and not allowing the county to have a say.
"There were other people more qualified," Homolak said. "So, when I overheard people say that [Hereford] didn't know anything about what's going, I figured, I've been fighting this fight with the libraries with the obscene materials, so I thought I would just talk to her."
Homolak claims she was initially met with resistance from Hereford, claiming Hereford refused to entertain a meeting with Homolak until she began her board term.
"I was kind of shocked that she didn't want to be informed," Homolak said. "So, I finally asked her if I could email her instead."
Homolak claims Hereford did relinquish her email after some prodding. What followed was Homolak sending excerpts from some of the material commonly aimed at minors in the library and one book stocked in the Athens-Limestone Public Library.
One book Homolak referenced is called "It's Perfectly Normal," a common book of focus in the statewide controversy.
The book is categorized on the Athens-Limestone Library's website as "adult nonfiction." However, the cover recommends it for ages 10 and up. The library website summarizes the book, saying it "Introduces human sexuality, describes the changes brought about by puberty, and discusses sexual abuse, sexually transmitted diseases, AIDS, and pregnancy."
"This book shows hetero and homosexual couples engaging in intercourse/sexual activity. This book says 10+ on the cover," Homolak wrote Hereford. "This is porn. It also encourages kids to masturbate with illustrations of kids masturbating. Evil. Can you believe that grown adults draw kids masturbating???"
Homolak also included pictures she sent to Hereford in her email, which are included below.
***WARNING: Explicit images and excerpts below. Some have been blacked out by 1819 News ***
In response to Homolak's email, Hereford responded with disgust at the images, threatening to involve the authorities if Homolak attempted further contact.
"The disgusting pronographic material that you chose to send to me twice via email - UNSOLICITED - is filth," Hereford responded. "Because you choose to send this for whatever reason - shock value, perhaps - you are distributing the very material that you say you fight against. I will not meet with you. Do not contact me via email, phone call or text, or in person again. Any communication from you will be considered harassment and I will be forced to involve the authorities."
Hereford responded to an inquiry from 1819 News with a statement. Hereford only referenced excerpts from another book Homolak sent her. However, she declined to mention the images from "It's Perfectly Normal."
"A person within our community sent me disturbing images from a book, Let's Talk About It, that is not offered in the Athens-Limestone Public Library," Hereford wrote. "The constituent noted that our library does not carry that book but that other libraries in nearby counties may have it. I checked again with our library staff regarding the book title in question and they confirmed that we do not have that item in the library. That book had been reviewed prior to my appointment, and it was determined that it would not be added to the books available in our library."
"I understand all too well the challenges that families face in seeking to protect and guide our children and grandchildren. It is my goal in this service role to ensure that concerns are addressed and particularly that children are protected. While our methods used to reach that goal may be different, I do believe that this parent and I share a commitment to protect children and guide them toward adulthood. One task in support of that goal is to deliver age-appropriate content within our county library to our patrons of all ages," she added.
To connect with the author of this story or to comment, email [email protected].
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