The North Shelby Library director resigned from her position on Monday after over a year-long battle over sexually explicit and LGBTQ+ children's books that has grabbed the attention of residents and lawmakers statewide.
The North Shelby Library has been caught up in the statewide drama that has swept through the state for the past year. What started with Prattville residents complaining over sexually explicit books meant for minors has spread throughout the state, reaching the legislature and the governor's office.
Last year, The North Shelby Library Board (NSLB) voted to keep a "pride" display in its children's area despite residents' protests.
SEE ALSO: Activists applaud North Shelby County Library board for keeping LGBTQ books in children's section
However, during this year's legislative session, State Rep. Arnold Mooney (R-Indian Hills) successfully passed a bill that gave authority to appoint NSLB to Shelby County's legislative delegation.
The all-Republican delegation includes Mooney and State Reps. Susan DuBose (R-Hoover), Arnold Mooney (R-Indian Springs), Jim Carns (R-Vestavia Hills), and State Sens. Jabo Waggoner (R-Vestavia Hills) and Dan Roberts (R-Mountain Brook).
Since then, the delegation has made several changes to the NSLB. That, combined with the recently implemented administrative rule change by the state library board mandating certain policies for local libraries to continue receiving state funding, has left libraries across the state reeling.
On Monday, North Shelby Library director Kate Etheredge officially announced her resignation. The NSLB posted the resignation on its website, but it did not provide a reason for the departure.
"The Director of Library Services for the North Shelby Library District has made a personal decision to resign and has submitted her resignation letter, effective September 6, 2024," the NSLB wrote. "The NSL Board thanks Kate Etheredge for her many years of dedicated service and for her valuable assistance to the new NSL Board of Directors. We wish Kate every success in her future endeavors."
To connect with the author of this story or to comment, email craig.monger@1819news.com.
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