More recently obtained audio of Alabama Public Library Service (APLS) director Nancy Pack recorded her apparently encouraging public library directors to file an ethics complaint against now-APLS board chairman John Wahl.
1819 News previously reported on comments made by Pack during a meeting with Pack and Alabama public library directors.
Since controversy broke out over sexually explicit materials in children's libraries, residents in multiple counties and municipalities have approached local leaders for nearly two years for a solution. In addition, residents, lawmakers, and Gov. Kay Ivey have turned their attention to the APLS to address the controversy at the state level.
While the APLS board has undergone a nearly complete overhaul of its members, those supporting the removal or relocation of the books have consistently complained that Pack was sympathetic to the opposing side and actively worked to undermine the board's efforts to address citizens' concerns. This led to some groups calling for her termination or resignation.
RELATED: State library director appears to have played role in Madison, Millbrook library events
In addition to replacing several members, the APLS also elected Alabama GOP chairman and APLS board member John Wahl as the chairman. It also adopted a comprehensive set of administrative rules libraries must adopt to continue receiving state funding. The rules deal with the procurement, placement and removal of books deemed obscene or sexually explicit.
It bears noting that Wahl was only an APLS board member when the audio was reportedly recorded in 2023. He was elected APLS board chairman the following year.
In the audio recording, Pack can be heard talking to library directors about the controversy, where she mentioned the effort to disaffiliate from the American Library Association (ALA).
SEE: State library system votes to withdraw from American Library Association
In the audio, Pack is joined by Matthew Layne of the Alabama Library Association (ALLA), the state chapter of the ALA. Both have repeatedly spoken out against those opposed to the inclusion of books thought to be sexually explicit or obscene.
Pack can be heard in the audio, speaking in a seemingly negative tone about Wahl's place on the board and the efforts of the Alabama Republican Party in general.
"We are a red Republican Party in Alabama," Pack said. "There's also — the Republican Party is promoting this agenda. And, if you've been keeping up with the news, I have the head of the Alabama Republican party on the APLS board.
One attendee interrupted Pack, asking if Wahl's presence on the board was a "conflict of interest." Pack responded with, "I don't know." She then seemingly directed attention to members of Read Freely Alabama in the room and a letter the organization sent questioning Wahl's place on the board. However, she may have been speaking to another group that sent a similar letter.
Read Freely Alabama is an advocacy group that was formed to push for keeping objectionable books in the library. Read Freely Alabama sent a letter to APLS in October 2023, calling for an investigation into Wahl for an alleged conflict of interest.
"I think after your letter came out questioning that, that I do think other people wrote letters to our board that I'm not privy to," Pack stated.
She then gave attendees a veiled recommendation, referencing the Alabama Ethics Commission's ability to investigate possible misconduct in state agencies.
"But the Alabama Ethics Committee [Commission] can turn, if I'm unethical, or if you think I'm unethical, you can write a letter to the Alabama Board [Commission] of Ethics, and they will do an investigation," Pack continued.
To connect with the author of this story or to comment, email craig.monger@1819news.com.
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