The Alabama Public Library Service Board of Directors approved a rule that materials that discuss “transgender procedures, gender ideology or the concept of more than two biological genders” are inappropriate for sections of the library aimed at children and youth. The books must be housed in the adult sections.
Board Chairman John Wahl, who is also chairman of the Alabama Republican Party, called the action “a major step forward in putting parents back in control in what their children are exposed to.”
“We want to put Alabama families in charge. We want them to make the decision what is best for their families,” Wahl said.
The decision affects more than 200 local libraries and will take effect in 2026 after a required publication period. The language is being added to existing rules that youth sections must be free of material that is “sexually explicit or other material deemed inappropriate.” The new language also includes a directive that “all material containing such content must be weeded out of the library’s collection or relocated to an adult section.”
