Jacob Holmes’ top 5 stories of 2023
I’ve spent a lot of time covering the book-challenging campaign against public libraries.
Book bans
Opinion
Opinion
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See recent postsBook censors in history: not heroes, but villains of knowledge and expression
The current debate surrounding book bans starkly contrasts with the more pressing issues affecting the state's youth.
Read Freely Alabama questions John Wahl’s “conflict of interest”
Wahl is listed as a speaker at a Clean Up Alabama roundtable on "ending the sexualization of children in libraries."
ALGOP chair: Legislature should strip obscenity law exemption for libraries
Few, if any, of the books challenged in libraries come close to the definition of obscenity — but there are plans to try to change that definition as well.
Hunstville library director: Relocation of LGBTQ books was a miscommunication
Director Cindy Hewitt said the directive got lost in translation like a game of "Telephone."
House speaker, majority leader urge APLS to address library controversy
The House leaders threatened to use budgetary authority and statutory power to address the controversy if the APLS does not act.
APLS director discusses Alabama library content and controversies
There has been a wave of challenges to content in libraries nationwide. Over the past few months that wave has reached Alabama.
Prattville council votes down library contract
Supporters of the library walked in opposition to the contract, and spoke out against moving books at the council meeting.
Tense Ozark library meeting spills into parking lot between undercover cop, LGBTQ speaker
The cop said he witnessed harassment by the woman; she says he didn't immediately identify himself, stoking fear.
Alabama Library Association condemns growing number of censorship attempts
ALA also noted an increase in public harassment, verbal attacks and threats to library employees and board members.