Alabama Library Association ‘concerned but also confused' by new APLS content policies
Signs are posted in the young adult section of the Autauga-Prattville Public Library on Feb. 23, 2024. The Alabama Library Association said in a letter earlier this month it was "concerned but also confused" by new definitions of the term "sexually explicit" by the Alabama Public LIbrary Service board. (Ralph Chapoco/ Alabama Reflector)
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 lack of discussion about how the board will codify this new definition into the APLS administrative state code,' referring to a letter that APLS Board Chair John Wahl sent to local libraries to further clarify definitions related to sexually explicit materials after the board approved the update during a meeting on May 8.
'That is just one of many questions we have about this memo, and we hope to learn the answers in the coming days,' the letter said.
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Wahl said in an interview Tuesday that several local libraries approached the APLS asking for additional clarification regarding the definition.
'We wanted to be very clear with what we felt our definition was so local libraries would have the information they needed to comply with state code,' he said. 'I can't imagine why anyone would be upset with having more information.'
The organization also criticized how some members of the APLS board responded to statements made by local library staff, characterizing the comments that were made to library directors, librarians and supporters of libraries as 'discourteous and dismissive.'
A part of ALLA's statement referred to a letter that Wahl sent May 12 to inform local libraries that board members approved an update to its policies that further defines 'sexually explicit' content.
These include books or materials that include descriptions of sexual activity, from sexual excitement and nudity to masturbation and sadistic or masochistic abuse.
'This definition is based on existing state and federal guidelines and is intended to serve as a clear and practical reference as you address this matter in your libraries,' Wahl stated in his letter to local library directors.
The correspondence stemmed from actions that board members took at the May 8 meeting to further explain the meaning of sexually explicit materials after the board fielded comments about how vaguely the term was defined in the policies.
The ALLA executive council also recommended that APLS withdraw Wahl's memo.
'If the APLS is to pursue further policy requirements of Alabama libraries, follow established legal procedure for amending the Administrative Code, with appropriate public comment opportunities and thorough consideration of the constitutionality of both memos,' ALLA said in its statement.
The organization also wants APLS to issue an apology to local library staff and directors as well as host a session to field comments from public librarians.
Wahl said that board members were respectful to speakers and said multiple times how much he and the other board members cared about local libraries, going so far as to secure funding that the state stands to lose from the federal government.
'There has to be dialogue, and if someone presents information that is factually incorrect, that leaves out entirely, one side of the narrative, it is entirely appropriate for the Board to address that immediately,' Wahl said.
Wahl proposed an update to the policy based on a different section of state statute that also includes adult bookstores. The policy update was authorized more than a year after members of the APLS board issued directives to local libraries to adopt regulations to further restrict minors from having access to some library materials.
A May 2024 update of the code required libraries to relocate materials within their circulation that have obscenity, are sexually explicit, or ones deemed inappropriate for minors.
Obscenity is a legal term and is further defined in state statute. Wahl and other board members said they believe the term 'sexually explicit' needed additional clarification. The APLS board did not update what the term 'inappropriate' during the May 8 meeting.
Legislators sponsored bills and Gov. Kay Ivey sent several letters to the APLS aimed at further limiting access to materials for minors. Several bills that would have affected library operations failed to pass the Legislature this year.
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