Alabama librarians meet the enemy within: Nancy C. Pack

 

Headline:  Publishers Weekly, 11/3/2023

Photo:  Alabama Public Library Service

It was unsurprising to learn this week that Alabama's state agency for public libraries has recommended severing ties with ALA, given the right wing political attack aimed at the association and Gov. Kay Ivey's recent demand for action. But in a head-snapping turn of events that hints at the depth of the political pressure state library leaders are facing, Alabama Public Library Service (APLS) director Nancy C. Pack has not only turned away from the ALA (after previously defending ALA in a September letter) but apparently from the ALA's Library Bill of Rights as well. 

AL.com reports that, in an October 12 memo, Pack recommended that the APLS board “strongly consider discontinuing the application of the ALA’s Library Bill of Rights as our guiding principle," and "place a much greater emphasis on addressing community needs.” Matthew Layne, president of the Alabama Library Association, told AL.Com that he "vehemently disagrees" with Pack's recommendations. "We as Alabamians should in no way capitulate to a vocal minority of individuals who wish to control what our citizens choose to read for themselves and for their families,” Layne told reporters. Pack's recommendations also include "finalizing a parent's list of potentially inappropriate book titles to serve as a valuable resource for public libraries." The recommendations will be voted on by the APLS Board later this month.

Related reading: 

 

ALcom, 10/28/2023

In response to Pack’s recommendations, librarian Marylyn Eubank said in a letter sent to the Alabama Library Association, “it is hard to compose a professional response to fear-based, unfounded, reactionary actions. One shakes with anger and the righteous indignation born from years of professional study and development. But shaking with anger doesn’t make the situation better for the millions of Alabama residents (mostly children) who have been betrayed by the very professionals meant to protect their rights.” 

Eubank said “Alabama kept books used by her black residents separate from books used by white residents” until the 1960s, and today, “funding for libraries is being held hostage by the governor and the state legislature.” “ 

Pack is simply providing the state what it wants - censorship in exchange for funding,” Eubank said.

Hmm...