Montgomery, AL – The Alabama Public Library Service (APLS) Board of Trustees has voted to formally propose amendments to the Code of Alabama that would establish clear definitions for what constitutes inappropriate material for minors in public libraries. This effort aims to provide more specific guidance to local libraries and boards in determining age-appropriate content in children’s and teen sections.
The proposed changes mark a departure from the long-standing federal Miller test, which sets standards for what is considered legally obscene. Instead, APLS has introduced a stricter framework that allows material to be evaluated based on the presence of sexually explicit content alone, rather than considering the work in its entirety.
Supporters of the move, including advocacy group Clean Up Alabama, argue that the new guidelines offer practical tools for curating youth library sections responsibly. “We are grateful that APLS continues to lead with courage,” said Hannah Rees, Executive Director of Clean Up Alabama. “Their commitment to Alabama families, to child safety, and to constitutional integrity is not only refreshing—it’s essential.”
The decision follows recent legal developments, including Free Speech Coalition, Inc. v. Paxton, which affirmed states’ rights to adopt more stringent standards when regulating content accessible to minors.
While the initiative has garnered support from groups advocating for child protection, some critics argue that such measures may lead to overreach or the removal of materials that are not legally obscene but may still hold literary or educational value. The proposal is expected to undergo further discussion and public input before any legislative action.
