The Alabama Library Association (ALLA) has weighed in on the recent firing of Autauga-Prattville Public Library director Andrew Foster, calling it a "travesty that should frighten every Alabama resident."
Foster was selected as director in June 2023 after the former director resigned amidst controversy surrounding sexually explicit and LGBTQ+-promoting material for minors in the library. Since then, the entire Autauga/Prattville Library Board has been replaced.
On Thursday, the library board voted unanimously to terminate Foster's position for "revealing confidential information in violation of criminal law."
The confidential information Foster was accused of sharing involved a public records request filed with the library by the far-left website Alabama Political Reporter (APR). APR writer Jacob Holmes then used the information in an article highlighting perceived ambiguity and confusion with the new board's policies involving removing or relocating books.
The story contained information between board members and attorney Laura Clark, which may be the confidential information referenced by the board, although it has not been confirmed. Additionally, statements from Foster seemed to indicate that he had recorded executive sessions, which violates Alabama's open records laws.
After Foster's firing, employees locked the library doors to protest Foster's termination, threatening to do so until Foster was reinstated. Adrienne Barringer, the assistant to the children's program department, stood at the front door in tears, saying employees had decided to close the library. Board Chair Ray Boles swiftly came to the library to deal with the hubbub, and a number of additional employees were subsequently fired.
The ALLA is the state chapter of the American Library Association (ALA). The Alabama Public Library System recently voted to withdraw its ALA membership due to its public position on sexually explicit books and its effect on state libraries.
SEE: State library system votes to withdraw from American Library Association
ALLA president Matthew Layne released a statement after the terminations, calling it a "politically motivated attack."
"For generations, our libraries have been essential public resources where all members of our community could gather and learn," Layne said. "Now, sadly, social extremists are utilizing ruthless, strong-arm tactics to transform them into political battlegrounds. What has taken place during the past several days at the Autauga-Prattville Public Library is a travesty that should frighten every Alabama resident. The termination of Library Director Andrew Foster and members of his professional staff is an unjust, politically motivated attack on the livelihood of individuals who did nothing wrong, and undermines this library's capacity for properly, effectively serving the public. Further, it's a frightening example of what could happen at public libraries across our state. As a lifelong Alabama resident, I know this is unequivocally not what our state's residents want."
Some Prattville library employees have reportedly reconciled with library leadership and have returned to work. The board is meeting on Saturday to select an interim director to take Foster's place.
To connect with the author of this story or to comment, email craig.monger@1819news.com.
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