Former Saline County librarian to receive national award

CHICAGO – A series of unfortunate events for a former Saline County librarian is getting her national recognition.

According to the American Library Association, former director of the Saline County Library, Patty Hector, will be receiving the 2024 Lemony Snicket prize.

The organization stated that they are recognizing her for her “unwavering commitment to intellectual freedom, her resilience in the face of adversity and her dedication to the principles of librarianship.”

Hector was fired from the Benton-based library in October of last year after months of controversy over new policies dealing with books found to be obscene for children.

She became outspoken during the controversy saying that she believed that some of the books in question were being removed because they did not align with Republican political agendas, such as books concerning racial discussions and others that supported the LGBTQ+ community.

Hector faced attacks on social media and harassment from local political groups, which included a billboard campaign with the message, “Director Hector Must Go.”

When the library board refused to fire Hector, the Quorum Court stepped in to amend the ordinance that established the library board’s exclusive right of “full and complete authority” to “subject to oversight by the Saline County Judge” as a pathway toward her termination.

The organization said that her resilience and determination to continue serving her community demonstrate the qualities of The Lemony Snicket Prize.

The award will be presented to Hector in San Diego in June at the annual American Library Association Conference.

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