Fairhope, Alabama thefairhopetimes.blogspot.com
Updated to add Wahl's comments.
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| Today's APLS meeting. |
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| Elizabeth Williams |
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| Rebecca Watson |
ALABAMA PUBLIC LIBRARY SERVICE MEETING
After hearing from numerous speakers from both sides of the issue, including Fairhope's Elizabeth Williams and Rebecca Watson, the Alabama Public Library Service decided not to make a decision during this morning's meeting in Montgomery regarding the suspended funding to the Fairhope library.
Chairman John Wahl referred to new material just received by the committee today and asked Fairhope library director Robert Gourlay and Fairhope library board chair Randall Wright (who were seated in the audience) if they has completed their book reviews and were told no (although their response was not audible on the live stream broadcast).
The new material received was not made public during this meeting.
Chairman Wahl: "We received information (today) from people with other books ... don't think any action needs to be taken until your (Fairhope library board) review is finished ... we'll get you a copy of the information we just got concerning Fairhope ... just so we are on the same page ... want you guys to have time to finish a full review ... before we look at it."
Williams is president of the local 'Read Freely Alabama' group and Watson of the local 'Moms for Liberty' chapter.
The Fairhope Library Board relocated several books during its June meeting and left others in place and believe they are in compliance with current APLS regulations.
NEW LIBRARY SECTION THE ANSWER?
Wahl had said earlier in the meeting he had been in discussions about creating new 'young adults' sections in libraries throughout the state for those 18 and older as a solution -- where the controversial books may be shelved more appropriately.
Wahl: ".... (possibly) create a new section ... targeted to young adults over 18 ... if parent gives them access ... we want to move forward in a way ... respectful to everyone."
MEDIA TO BLAME?
After acknowledging some news media present, Wahl said "a lot of people want to escalate this ... division creates more clicks ... my goal is to bring unity."