library challenges

Local news

Her law firm wanted to sue the Prattville library; now, she represents it.

The Prattville Library has never faced a lawsuit, but its new attorney Laura Clark just helped write policies that has some residents promising legal recourse.

Jacob Holmes

February 12, 2024

AG finds state funding for libraries can be contingent on policies

Marshall wrote that the state agency cannot directly control what local libraries do, but can make state aid contingent on policies.

Jacob Holmes

February 6, 2024

Dothan church hosts panel on “obscene” library books

Republican Rep. Rick Rehm was among those panelists and claimed books are being placed in libraries “to indoctrinate our children.”

Jacob Holmes

January 26, 2024

Both sides of library debate call for state library service to release “secret blacklist”

Without access to the list, it's unclear just how many books have been submitted, and how many have actually been added.

Jacob Holmes

December 27, 2023

Opinion

Jacob Holmes’ top 5 stories of 2023

I’ve spent a lot of time covering the book-challenging campaign against public libraries.

Jacob Holmes

December 27, 2023

State library disaffiliation from ALA not enough for book banning group

The state disaffiliation doesn’t prohibit local libraries from being members, which Clean Up Alabama said doesn’t go far enough.

Jacob Holmes

November 13, 2023

Opinion

Republicans: A misguided crusade in culture wars

If Republicans truly aim to win hearts and minds, perhaps it's time to remember that progress isn't the enemy.

Bill Britt

October 3, 2023

Opinion

The bigots are winning because of the cowards

Our elected leaders have an opportunity to turn back the bigotry driving attacks on libraries and schools. Instead, they're encouraging it.

Josh Moon

October 2, 2023

Inside Clean Up Alabama’s plan to jail librarians for giving LGBTQ+ books to kids

If Clean Up Alabama were to meet its goals, librarians would face up to a year in jail for having LGBTQ books on the shelf for minors.

Jacob Holmes

September 7, 2023

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.

Jacob Holmes

September 6, 2023