Local news Huntsville-Madison Library updates policies to “uphold intellectual freedom” As challenges have popped up at libraries across the state, the Huntsville system has become the focus of controversy multiple times. Jacob HolmesMarch 28, 2024
State Prattville Library Board chair says he never intended to move LGBTQ books New recordings provide support for Boles’s statements that he wanted to distinguish “sexual content” from “LGBTQ content." Jacob HolmesMarch 26, 2024
State On right-wing radio, Prattville library chair shares new insights into recent events Chair Ray Boles took to the airwaves to malign former director Andrew Foster and APR reporter Jacob Holmes. Jacob HolmesMarch 20, 2024
Local news Prattville Library Board likely breaks open meetings law to name interim director The Open Meetings Act requires government entities, including boards, give at least 24 hours' notice of a special meeting. Jacob HolmesMarch 18, 2024
Legislature Bill giving local governments power to boot library board members passes committee A committee approved a bill that gives local governments the power to remove library board members. Jacob HolmesFebruary 8, 2024
State New APLS appointee is a step toward agenda to move LGBTQ books Amy Dozier Minton has challenged at least 30 titles due to LGBTQ characters, and she plans to challenge more. Jacob HolmesFebruary 8, 2024
State AG finds state funding for libraries can be contingent on policies Marshall wrote that the state agency cannot directly control what local libraries do, but can make state aid contingent on policies. Jacob HolmesFebruary 6, 2024
State Public comment period on APLS changes expected to start Feb. 1 The suggested changes could put conditions on state aid for local libraries. Jacob HolmesJanuary 26, 2024
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