Alabama Public Library System (APLS) chairman John Wahl says several libraries could lose state funding due to their refusal to remove sexually explicit materials from juvenile sections.
"There is no excuse for allowing innocent children to be exposed to sexually explicit material," Wahl told 1819 News.
The APLS has new rules requiring libraries to have policies on safeguarding children from explicit content, and that content must be moved from juvenile sections in the library. If they do not comply, state funding will be pulled.
Wahl said the rules are clear, with no exceptions.
The comments came after 1819 News questioned Wahl about a book found in the Spanish Fort and Fairhope libraries.
"Let's Talk About It: The Teen's Guide to Sex, Relationships, and Being a Human" is available for teens. It teaches readers with descriptions and depictions of how to masturbate and do sexual acts on others. The book encourages teens to get on the internet to seek out pornography, individuals and communities.
"Using taxpayer funding to pay for books that encourage children to watch pornography is disrespectful to every single taxpayer in the state of Alabama," said Wahl.
Wahl said the new rules are intended to prevent children from stumbling upon inappropriate materials. After looking at the book himself, Wahl said it was clear the authors were targeting teens.
"What makes this book all the more outrageous is that it is designed for children as young as 13 years old," said Wahl. "No one should want a 13-year-old child to be exposed to pornography. And the fact that anyone would encourage this to be a children's section shows how important it is that we follow through and make sure that our libraries are safe places for all our families."
"… Parents shouldn't have to worry about what their kids find in our libraries," he continued. "If a mother or a father has multiple children, they may be with one and the other one finds another book; you cannot expect them to watch over every single book that their child looks at in the library and they need to know that they can trust their local libraries."
Wahl added that he supports parental rights.
"If parents want to buy this material for the children, they have every right to," he said. "I, as Chairman of the APLs Board, in no way, shape or form support book banning in any way. At the same time, making sure our children are protected from this content and that parents make those decisions is absolutely appropriate."
In Spanish Fort, the library is a city department. Mayor Mike McMillan said the library has adopted policies to comply with the APLS rules.
The APLS will continue to receive complaints from those concerned about libraries. He said that if libraries do not relocate challenged material that meets relocation qualifications, they will lose funding.
The next APLS executive board meeting will be on Jan. 16, 2025, in Montgomery.
To connect with the author of this story or to comment, email erica.thomas@1819news.com.
Don't miss out! Subscribe to our newsletter and get our top stories every weekday morning or become a member to gain access to exclusive content and 1819 News merch.
