Community Values Under Attack: Clarifying Misconceptions

Libraries have always thoughtfully curated their collections based on the needs and values of their communities.  No single library can house every book ever written. The current uproar is an attempt to reframe this long-standing practice of content management as censorship. It’s a misguided effort to sow confusion and undermine the responsible choices made by libraries to protect young minds.  All parents in our community, including those from other countries who cannot read English, should be able to allow their kids to explore the children’s collections of the taxpayer funded, public library without fear.  Children should be able to pick up any book and go on an adventure that is appropriate for their minds and development.

Only recently, when pro-family, pro-children, and pro-library advocates have objected to providing sexual content to children, has curation suddenly been framed as limiting access. However, the Alabama Library Association, a plaintiff in the lawsuit and the AL chapter of the American Library Association, describes this process of collection development as “selection decisions” in its own Statement Against Censorship Attempts, dated August 30, 2023.  APPL simply seeks the same autonomy to make “selection decisions” allowed at other libraries. Dr. David Perry, a board certified practicing pediatrician, has described the need for such selection decisions to protect the mental and emotional state of our youth in a recent letter.

Contrary to misleading narratives, books with heavy adult themes are still available in the APPL for adults to check out. What the opposition wants though is for books with sexual content to be funded by taxpayers and available for minors to checkout. Much ado has been made about  access to this content even though several of these books for minors were never checked out from the APPL prior to the agenda of previous library staff coming to light.

Our Challenges

In addition to spending time and resources on lawsuits led by outside activists, our library has faced other significant challenges this year. In one incident, activists working against the Board, were caught stealing almost $1,000 worth of books. When the police report was filed, law enforcement informed APPL this could be a felony due to the amount of money involved in the theft. This highlights why current APPL leadership is committed to transparency and accountability and values high ethical standards for its board and staff.   

Library leadership has also been focused on compliance with all federal laws, including those related to accessibility for all patrons that were neglected in the past.  Additionally,  by implementing overdue security measures like background checks for volunteers and actively working to increase wages for staff, the Board has demonstrated it is dedicated to ensuring the library remains a safe, welcoming, and enriching environment.

How You Can Help

The APPL needs your help to continue this important work.  The Board is extremely grateful to its attorney, Laura Clark, who, despite receiving death threats, has donated hundreds of hours in service to the library.  But this lawsuit, where the implications will set a precedent for children, families and libraries across the nation, is more than she as one person can tackle.  The Board has retained Bryan Taylor as lead counsel for this case. In order to keep the library funded and operational in the midst of unjust attacks, the Board is fundraising to cover its legal expenses.

Will you donate today and help the Autauga Prattville Public Library with this important work? Your tax-deductible donations are crucial in supporting its legal defense, ensuring that it can continue to serve our community with the highest standards of safety and care.

Together, we can ensure that the Autauga Prattville Public Library remains a trusted cornerstone in our community.  Thank you for standing with us and for your contributions, prayers, and efforts to spread the word.