When the Alabama Public Library Service (APLS) met last month, chairman John Wahl requested a list of books that were reviewed by the Fairhope Public Library board of trustees.
State funding to the library was paused earlier this year due to violations of a policy change prohibiting sexually explicit books from the children's and youth sections. Wahl's request was a part of the review of the library's actions since the new policy was put into place.
The library has been asked to get in compliance and has moved seven challenged books from the teen section to the adult section. The library has also established a tiered library card system that requires parents to choose a special library card if they want to allow their children to check out books from the adult section.
The library provided a list of 17 challenged books, showing the 10 that remain in the teen section. Those books include topics on sex, drugs, eating disorders and racism, but were deemed appropriate by library board members:
"Beyond Magenta" by Susan Kuklin is a book that explains what it means to be transgender from the perspective of young adults who identify as transgender.
"Crank" by Ellen Hopkins tells the story of a teenager experiencing a methamphetamine addiction and issues with her father.
"Doing It! Let's Talk About Sex" by Hannah Witton, is a how-to guide for teens. It serves as a guidebook for topics such as various sexual orientations, masturbating, sex toys and pornography.
"Identical" by Ellen Hopkins is about identical twin girls who experience abuse at the hands of their father, a district court judge. The book describes sexual abuse drug use, eating disorders and self-harm and contains profanity.
"Lighter than My Shadow" by Katie Green is a graphic novel about a young girl's journey with anorexia. It depicts images of sexual abuse and nudity.
"Shine" by Lauren Myracle is about a teenager whose gay best friend is beaten. The book addresses hate crimes, alcohol use, drugs and sexual assault.
"Sold" by Patricia McCormick is about a young girl who is sold into slavery. The book explains horrific sexual abuse.
"The Handmaid's Tale" by Margaret Atwood is a 1985 novel containing graphic scenes of rape and violence in an authoritarian world where women are treated as property. It highlights extreme religious and political views.
"The Hate You Give" by Angie Thomas explores police violence and racism and contains strong language. It is told from the perspective of a young girl who lives in a predominantly black neighborhood but goes to a predominantly white private school. She witnesses her black friend's death at the hands of the police.
"The Perks of Being a Wallflower" by Stephen Chbosky addresses LGBTQ issues, suicide and drug use.
The APLS board will review the books and decide on the future of Fairhope Public Library's funding at its November meeting.
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