Libraries across the state rushed to remove sexually explicit material from their children and teen sections following new guidelines by the Alabama Public Library System (APLS) in May 2024. The APLS threatened to withhold funding from any library that did not comply with new regulations.
To date, funding from one library in Alabama has been paused. In March, the Fairhope Public Library was accused of violating the new policies after APLS chairman John Wahl stated that attempts to influence library officials to relocate aberrant materials to the adult section of the library had failed.
Following the move to pause funding, a social media firestorm erupted. While some citizens believed parents should be responsible for what their children read, others pleaded to library and city officials to ensure their children would not be inadvertently exposed to books discussing sex, rape, anal play, butt plugs and same-sex activity, and showing images of penises and vaginas.
Many people asked how these books had ended up in the library in the first place. Some had been on the shelves for nearly five years without question. Many were camouflaged with colorful illustrations and seemingly harmless titles. Others blatantly advertised teaching children how to engage in sexual activity.
"Let's Talk About It: The Teen's Guide to Sex, Relationships, and Being a Human" had been in the Spanish Fort Library's teen section since 2021 before being removed this year after being challenged by Moms for Liberty Baldwin County.
Even a local chapter leader of Read Freely Alabama told 1819 News she understood why there could be concerns over that particular book. However, there has been no compromise between the two sides.
The issue is a clear sign of a broken library system nationwide.
Libraries choose materials in multiple ways. Some come from a list compiled by the American Library Association (ALA).
For example, the ALA published recommended book lists in 2020, "Embracing Gender Identities," to support conversations about gender identity for children ages 0-5, 5-10 and 11-14. They included articles on how to "transgender in elementary school" and provided online resources for parents.
In 2022, the ALA published graphic novel lists with topics including a child questioning his sexuality and a "nonbinary vampire child."
Libraries also choose publications through the Dewey Decimal System, the Library of Congress Classification System, and other online databases.
That is what former Foley Public Library director John Jackson told 1819 News in 2023. He said the location of books is determined by the Dewey Decimal System, not by library workers. In an interview, Jackson stated that even if he had seen inappropriate material in the juvenile section of the library, he would not remove it because he did not want to censor material, even for children.
Parents who disagree with allowing children to be exposed to sexual content or gender ideology have spoken up in recent years, asking libraries to avoid sexualizing children.
"The APLS codes were created with this in mind—to make sure that every family in Alabama feels safe in our public libraries," Wahl told 1819 News. "Parents who want their children to have broader access to materials should have that ability, but at the same time, parents who do not want their children exposed to sexually explicit content should have confidence that such material is not inappropriately placed in youth sections."
However, even if libraries hand-pick books, some inappropriate materials can still slip through the cracks due to publisher classifications. Publishers can write synopses of books that may not allude to the graphic nature. Librarians say it is impossible for them to read every book on the shelves.
The Spanish Fort Public Library and the Foley Public Library have removed several challenged books they deemed inappropriate.
However, according to Wahl, the Fairhope Public Library has refused to remove some sexually explicit content from its teen section. Although the state has already paused funding for the library, the latest action will likely lead the board to stop funding altogether.
"The APLS Board has been clear that there are no exceptions or loopholes in the new code changes — compliance with state code is mandatory for continued access to state funding," Wahl explained. "My conversations with Fairhope officials have been respectful and cordial. I strongly encourage them to listen to the people of Fairhope and relocate inappropriate materials out of the library's youth sections. The decision on whether to come into compliance remains in their hands."
Wahl said he is not interested in a book ban but rather a book relocation process.
"Sexuality is a deeply personal and sensitive topic, and as a society, we must acknowledge that people hold different perspectives on how it should be addressed with children," he added. "The vast majority of Alabama parents do not want their children to accidentally stumble upon explicit content while browsing books in sections intended for young readers. Ensuring that such materials are relocated to appropriate areas is a reasonable step that respects the rights of all families without denying access to those who seek it."
Those fighting against explicit books in children's and teens' sections believe the infiltration of progressive materials in libraries is part of a nationwide, liberal push to force radical ideology on children.
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