MONTGOMERY — Alabama Public Library Service (APLS) Board chairman John Wahl backed the board's Thursday decision to fire then-APLS director Nancy Pack after months of growing tension.
The board approved Pack's firing at Thursday's APLS meeting after Pack had already tendered her resignation, with only one member, Ron Snider, voting against it.
Pack's firing came after tensions between her and the board had risen in recent months. Wahl said several on the board found Pack disrespectful and dismissive.
"The Alabama Public Library Service is committed to the highest standards," Wahl said. "The board felt that immediate change was needed to streamline operations and best serve the people of Alabama. We are looking forward to this new chapter and working together as a team."
Since the controversy surrounding sexually explicit library books began in the middle of 2023, those opposed to the books have accused Pack of having sympathies with the opposing side and attempting to subvert efforts to remove certain books.
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Tensions within APLS leadership became stark after Wahl was elected chairman in September 2024, replacing the term-limited Snider. At that meeting, the board deliberated on a raise for Pack while she was in the room. Pack took a defensive tone and posture during the manifestly uncomfortable interaction.
Since then, Pack has also disparaged lawmakers and seemingly encouraged advocates to pursue an ethics complaint against Wahl due to his other position as chairman of the Alabama Republican Party.
In November, Pack took a similarly hostile posture with Wahl and other board members over a vote on how to distribute federal grants.
After Thursday's firing, the board appointed Kelyn Ralya as interim director while it searched for a permanent director.
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