The Alabama Library Association said in a May 16 letter that it was “concerned but also confused” by new Alabama Public Library Service policies on sexually explicit content and what it called ill-treatment of directors and staff of local libraries at a meeting earlier this month. The organization said it was notably concerned by “the […]

Committee removes two books citing negative impacts on community members after majority vote.

A sustained public-comment segment on the book Gender Queer drew dozens of speakers and sharply divided views; after a lengthy discussion the Carmel Central School District Board voted to recess into executive session to receive legal guidance on complaints and to discuss personnel matters.

The board agreed to add electronic access to the library catalog for parents but debated whether formal challenges to library titles should be allowable annually or less often. Administration said regulations are administrative and agreed to adopt a one-year review window pending operational feedback.

County manager announces removal of juvenile health books and expands parental control initiatives.

A legislative audit of sensitive materials and school library books found inconsistent keyword filtering, uneven implementation of the statutory challenge process and confusion among librarians and teachers; auditors recommended proactive selection systems, clearer policy language and more training for LEA staff.