library challenges

Elections

Minton announces candidacy for Senate District 10

Minton has been the most aggressive member of the APLS board, pushing policies to restrict LGBTQ+ content from youth sections.

June 23, 2025

State library chair: Fairhope won’t get funding if “sexually explicit” books remain

Fairhope's library faces defunding after a vote to keep challenged books in the teen section.

June 18, 2025

Fairhope library moves some books, keeps others amid funding fight

Fairhope's library board moved five books and kept nine others amid a heated funding dispute over "sexually explicit" definitions and state code.

June 17, 2025

5th Circuit reverses injunction against Texas library that removed challenged books

Breaking with other circuit courts, the conservative 5th Circuit ruled plaintiffs have no right to receive information from libraries.

May 29, 2025

Clean Up Alabama leader wants “trans stuff” out of all libraries

Clean Up Alabama's leader, Hannah Rees, clarified her intent, stating that "trans stuff" should be removed entirely from all libraries — not just moved.

May 28, 2025

Alabama Library Association slams APLS board’s “dismissive” tone

ALLA also questioned the board's procedure for defining "sexually explicit" and urged them to withdraw the memo.

May 19, 2025

Read Freely Alabama cites Colorado case in library lawsuit

Read Freely Alabama argues a Colorado court ruling supports its request for a preliminary injunction against the Autauga-Prattville Public Library.

May 16, 2025

APLS chair urges libraries to ensure no federal funds used to “promote gender ideology”

In an email to library directors, APLS Chair John Wahl ordered audits of collections and programs to ensure no federal funds support gender ideology.

May 13, 2025

Librarians, supporters rail against new regime at Alabama Public Library Service

Librarians and citizens condemned APLS board actions and leadership as it defined "sexually explicit" and a member proposed further restrictions.

May 9, 2025

Rescheduled APLS meeting raises concerns about public participation, representation

Numerous people looking to sign up for public comment were surprised to have their requests denied.

May 7, 2025