The Fairhope Public Library seems to be ignoring guidelines to protect children from sexually explicit content.
According to an online database, "Parts & Hearts: A kid's (& grown-ups) guide to transgender transition," by Jenson J. Hillenbrand, is still available in the juvenile section of the Fairhope Public Library, despite the library losing state funding due to inappropriate materials in the children's and teen sections.
The library's website states the book "helps readers understand transgender transformation, both male to female and female to male."
The description says, "Transgender transformation can be difficult for children and some adults to understand. Parts and Hearts shows it's natural and not a scary thing as some may think."
The book, written by a transgender author, is intended for children aged 9 to 12 years old.
The Alabama Public Library Service (APLS) paused funding to the library in March after Chairman John Wahl stated that the library was not in compliance with the new APLS policy regarding inappropriate material. He said sexuality is a sensitive and personal topic and that parents who do not want their children exposed to certain topics should be able to allow their children to freely explore the children's and teen sections of a library without fear. He added that parents who want their children to have access to broader topics should be able to have that ability.
The library has adopted new policies and implemented a new juvenile card system, which allows parents to select the sections their child can access for checking out books.
However, "Parts & Hearts" is still in the juvenile non-fiction section. The book has been checked out 19 times and is currently checked out.
Fairhope Public Library Director Robert Gourlay has not responded to an inquiry from 1819 News.
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