Alabama public libraries scramble to update children’s sections

MONTGOMERY, Ala. ( WIAT ) — Changes are coming to children’s books sections across Alabama as public library officials remove certain reading materials from shelves.

The Alabama Public Library Service requires books containing “obscene content” to be removed from aisles geared for young readers. Under new code changes adopted last year , public libraries that do not cooperate with the removals risk losing state funding.

“It told us that we weren’t trusted,” Craig Scott, president of the Alabama Library Association, said.

Library patrons are able to challenge books they find on shelves, which can cause them to be removed. However, Scott says local library boards ultimately have the final say.

One example involves the children’s book “John’s Turn,” which was deemed appropriate for its age demographic after a complaint in Gadsden.

“It’s a book about a young boy who wants to become a ballet dancer, and there is nothing objectionable,” Scott said.

While the APLS has received pushback regarding this decision, Becky Gerritson with the Eagle Forum of Alabama said the move is ultimately about protecting young children.

“I think the fact that we have found books in the children’s section that have these graphic materials has caused some distrust,” Gerritson said.

Hokes Bluff Public Library director Alexandria Williams says her location has received no challenges since the changes.

“We’ve had some staff members that I’ve just asked personally, say ‘Hey, can you go through and see if you think we have anything that you personally would consider inappropriate?’ Williams said. “So far, so good.”

Dr. Nancy Pack with APLS said they will begin reviewing the updated policies of libraries statewide starting Sept. 1.

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