Alabama Public Library Service (APLS) board chairman John Wahl announced on Monday the near completion of an effort to protect the state’s libraries from potential federal funding losses as President Donald Trump’s administration continues to target federal programs.
The APLS board has been thrust into the limelight for nearly two years after statewide controversy arose surrounding sexually explicit books in Alabama's public libraries.
At the behest of lawmakers and Gov. Kay Ivey, the APLS passed a series of administrative rule changes, making state funding dependent on compliance with the procurement and placement of certain books, as well as rules for challenging and removing books deemed to be obscene or sexually explicit.
State lawmakers resented the library issue, cutting the APLS's funding by 9%, just over $350,000. The board itself has also changed since the book controversy began, with several board members replaced.
Wahl, who took his position as APLS board chairman in September 2024, also saw to the removal of former APLS director Nancy Pack, who many saw as supporting the groups who wanted the sexually explicit books to remain.
RELATED: Alabama Public Library Service board fires embattled director Nancy Pack
With new members more supportive of preventing sexually explicit children’s books, the board has pushed to protect both state and federal funding by aligning the board’s policies with state leaders’ wishes and federal mandates.
Trump has taken multiple executive steps to slash programs and spending that his administration has determined to be wasteful or unhelpful, with the help of Elon Musk's DOGE.
Most recently, Trump signed an order asking department heads to begin dismantling several agencies, including the Department of Education and the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS).
On Monday, Wahl, who also chairs the Alabama Republican Party, announced that his efforts to protect state libraries from potential federal cuts would be secured after the Alabama House of Representatives passes the State’s Education Trust Fund (ETF) budget.
According to Wahl, the measure within the ETF would ensure a dollar-for-dollar replacement of any federal funds that may be withdrawn from Alabama.
“This is a major win for Alabama families and our local libraries,” Wahl said. “We’ve not only taken steps to ensure that our libraries reflect the values of our communities—we’ve also made sure they’re financially secure. No matter what happens at the federal level, our libraries will continue to have the resources they need to serve the public.”
He continued, “We’ve been working hard to safeguard our children from sexually explicit books and inappropriate materials. We want to ensure that every family in Alabama feels welcome in our libraries. Now, we’re also making sure those libraries have the funding they need to keep serving their communities. This is about more than books—it’s about trust, accountability, and serving our communities. Real public service is supposed to look like this—listening to parents, supporting families, and delivering solutions that work.”
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