The Fairhope Public Library remains at odds with state officials over the placement of certain books in its teen section. The dispute has resulted in a suspension of state funding and an uncertain path toward reinstatement for the library.
Yellowhammer News reported that the Alabama Public Library Service (APLS) board voted in March to freeze approximately $42,000 in annual funding for the library, citing concerns that several titles available to teens contained material deemed “sexually explicit.” The APLS maintains that to qualify for state aid, public libraries must relocate any such content to the adult section.
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At the heart of the conflict is a disagreement over how to define “sexually explicit” material. APLS board chair John Wahl and board member Amy Minton argue that any books containing references to masturbation, oral sex, or similar topics fall under that label. The Fairhope Library Board, however, has taken a broader legal approach, evaluating the full context of each work and whether its content is intended to be sexually arousing.
Following a review of 15 titles flagged by APLS, the Fairhope board voted on June 16 to relocate five books to the adult section but to retain nine others, including “Doing It” by Hannah Witton, in the teen section. One book was not voted on. As a result, 10 books remain accessible to library patrons aged 13 to 17.
The board’s policy decisions are considered final for five years, meaning the reviewed titles cannot be challenged again until 2030. However, APLS officials have made it clear that funding will not resume unless all books meeting their internal criteria for explicit content are reshelved. Wahl stated that “there are no loopholes or gray areas in this requirement,” a phrase quoted verbatim in both AL.com and Alabama Political Reporter reports.
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Minton and Wahl have emphasized that APLS policy does not ban books but requires them to be placed in appropriate sections. Minton has also said that approximately 95% of public libraries across the state are in compliance with the directive.
While the state funding represents a small portion of Fairhope’s overall library budget—which totals about $1 million annually and is primarily supported by the city—board members have expressed concern over losing access to regional services, including a countywide book courier system.
The full APLS board is scheduled to review Fairhope’s decision at its next meeting on July 17.
Sherri Blevins is a staff writer for Yellowhammer News. You may contact her at [email protected].
