The Alabama chapter of Moms for Liberty (MFL) recently sent a letter to state legislators asking them to intervene in the ongoing saga over sexually explicit books for minors.
In recent months, Alabama residents have requested their local libraries remove or relocate sexually explicit children's books. Most have taken issue with the Alabama Public Library Service's (APLS) connection with the American Library Association (ALA), which is run by an avowed "Marxist lesbian."
While residents across the state continue to address local bodies, the issue has grabbed the attention of state leaders and lawmakers, including Gov. Kay Ivey.
In its letter, MFL also goes after the ALA, accusing the ALA of "pushing for books that sexualize and groom children."
"Conservative groups and citizens across the state are doing their part to engage with local library systems, apply to library board appointments, complete book relocation forms, and create dialogue with local county commissions and city councils concerning this important topic," the letter read. "It is time for the Alabama legislature to utilize the power of state funding and directives to APLS to push towards meaningful and long-lasting changes that protect minors and empower parents to have their voice heard."
The letter details an event in which State Sen. Sam Givhan (R-Huntsville) supplied grant funding for the Huntsville-Madison library. The library reportedly secured a book that MFL claims is "pornographic," with an insert crediting Givhan for the purchase. The letter contained pictures of the book with excerpts.
"There are many books that the ALA endorses and recommends that are pornographic and available for minors," the letter continued. "Such an example is enclosed. State Senator Sam Givhan donated to the Huntsville-Madison library with the intent to provide funding for uplifting fiction and educational material. The library instead purchased the book All Boys Aren't Blue and highlighted Senator Givhan's name inside the book. This book is pornographic and was checked out by a nine-year-old on his child library card."
A full copy of the letter can be found below.
M4L Public Library Press Release by Craig Monger on Scribd
MFL attached a series of policy recommendations for the legislature, which include the following:
The Alabama Public Library Services should disaffiliate from the American Library Association.
The Alabama Public Library Services should become Alabama's primary source of professional development, policy suggestions and resources for local Alabama library systems instead of the ALA.
The Alabama Public Library Services should develop a clear policy on book screening and placement that can be recommended to local library systems.
The Alabama Public Library Services should develop objective criteria concerning age appropriateness of sexual content and book placement in the child, juvenile and young adult sections of public libraries.
The state legislature should consider limiting and or removing state funding to local library systems that refuse to act on the Governor's call to revise current policy in regard to parental rights, book reconsideration forms, and sexualized content for minors.
The Alabama Public Library Services should enact a software update that prevents a minor using a child library card, from checking out books and resources in sections above their stated age group. A software update is needed statewide as a protective measure.
The 2024 regular legislative session is slated to begin in February, and some manner of library-related legislation is almost sure to be among the issues tackled by lawmakers.
To connect with the story's author or comment, email craig.monger@1819news.com.
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