Education APLS “blacklist” has just one book so far The rest of the challenges have been farcical, Pack said, with fictitious addresses such as “Censorship, Alabama." Jacob HolmesDecember 29, 2023
State Both sides of library debate call for state library service to release “secret blacklist” Without access to the list, it's unclear just how many books have been submitted, and how many have actually been added. Jacob HolmesDecember 27, 2023
Featured Opinion Jacob Holmes’ top 5 stories of 2023 I’ve spent a lot of time covering the book-challenging campaign against public libraries. Jacob HolmesDecember 27, 2023
Featured Opinion Opinion | Book censors in history: not heroes, but villains of knowledge and expression The current debate surrounding book bans starkly contrasts with the more pressing issues affecting the state's youth. Bill BrittNovember 20, 2023
State Read Freely Alabama questions John Wahl’s “conflict of interest” Wahl is listed as a speaker at a Clean Up Alabama roundtable on "ending the sexualization of children in libraries." Jacob HolmesOctober 16, 2023
Legislature ALGOP chair: Legislature should strip obscenity law exemption for libraries Few, if any, of the books challenged in libraries come close to the definition of obscenity — but there are plans to try to... Jacob HolmesOctober 6, 2023
Local news Hunstville library director: Relocation of LGBTQ books was a miscommunication Director Cindy Hewitt said the directive got lost in translation like a game of "Telephone." Jacob HolmesOctober 3, 2023
State House speaker, majority leader urge APLS to address library controversy The House leaders threatened to use budgetary authority and statutory power to address the controversy if the APLS does not act. Jacob HolmesSeptember 14, 2023
State APLS director discusses Alabama library content and controversies There has been a wave of challenges to content in libraries nationwide. Over the past few months that wave has reached Alabama. Patrick DarringtonSeptember 11, 2023
Local news Prattville council votes down library contract Supporters of the library walked in opposition to the contract, and spoke out against moving books at the council meeting. Jacob HolmesSeptember 6, 2023