Read Freely Alabama

Bill to allow library board member removals advances out of Senate committee

The bill allows two thirds of a library board's appointing authority to remove a member for any reason.

Jacob Holmes

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January 29, 2026

Read Freely donates $40K to Fairhope library to replace state funds

The Fairhope library has already lost more than $20,000 in state aid.

Jacob Holmes

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December 2, 2025

APLS bans transgender depictions in youth books, delays Fairhope funding

The board also voted to require all libraries to offer youth library cards with restricted access.

Jacob Holmes

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November 21, 2025

Empty shelves: League of Women Voters talks library challenges for Banned Books Week

The League of Women Voters forum addressed challenges facing Alabama libraries, as anti-LGBTQ+ groups fought to remove diverse materials from shelves.

Jacob Holmes

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October 13, 2025

Clean Up Alabama calls for complete removal of LGBTQ books for youth

The public comment session is now open on an APLS rule that would deem transgender materials "inappropriate" for minors.

Jacob Holmes

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September 3, 2025

New online magazine celebrates Alabama libraries

The first month of the magazine features the Rogersville Public Library and its importance to its rural community.

Jacob Holmes

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August 11, 2025

Prattville Library lawsuit moving forward

The activity should clear procedural hurdles as both sides await a ruling on plaintiffs' request for a preliminary injunction.

Jacob Holmes

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July 10, 2025

Read Freely celebrates legislative wins as bill to criminalize librarians dies

A bill that would allow for more local government control of library boards also failed to gain any traction during the session.

Jacob Holmes

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May 20, 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.

Jacob Holmes

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May 16, 2025