Montgomery, AL – The Alabama Public Library Service (APLS) has adopted expanded code changes governing how public libraries manage materials intended for minors, following a public comment period in which respondents overwhelmingly expressed support for further clarification on what constitutes inappropriate content for visitors ages 0–17.
During the comment period, the majority of submitted feedback supported the proposed changes and, according to APLS, many respondents requested that the board adopt standards that extended beyond the original language.
Initial Proposal
The initial draft included a provision stating that:
“Any material that promotes, encourages, or positively depicts transgender procedures, gender ideology, or the concept of more than two biological genders shall be considered inappropriate for children and youth.”
Final Code Adopted
Following public input, the APLS executive board approved a broader and more detailed set of requirements. Under the newly adopted code:
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Materials containing certain content must be removed or relocated.
Any material containing references to transgender medical procedures, gender ideology, or the concept of more than two biological genders will be considered inappropriate for minors. Such items must either be weeded from the children’s collection or moved to the adult section. -
Library cards for minors will be restricted unless parents opt otherwise.
All standard library cards issued to individuals under 18 will prohibit checkout of adult-collection materials. Libraries may issue an unrestricted card only with written consent from a parent or legal guardian.
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Libraries must comply with all APLS rules, codes, and definitions.
This includes existing state rules as well as any additional requirements adopted by the APLS executive board.
Context: Previous Policy Changes
The board noted that last year’s code amendment required libraries to adopt written selection criteria preventing the purchase of materials marketed to minors that contain obscenity, sexually explicit content, or content the board defines as inappropriate. That policy also provided that age-appropriate materials on history, religion, biology, or human anatomy were not to be restricted under that rule.
Impact of the Combined Policies
Taken together, the two policy sets establish more detailed standards for the selection, acquisition, and placement of materials intended for minors. Public libraries in Alabama must now:
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Ensure that new materials for minors do not include obscenity, sexually explicit content, or content the board designates as inappropriate.
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Exclude or relocate materials for minors that reference transgender medical procedures, gender ideology, or the concept of more than two biological genders.
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Review existing youth and children’s collections to determine whether any items require removal or relocation.
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Apply the new standards before purchasing or accepting new children’s or teen materials.
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Implement restricted library cards for all minors unless a parent or guardian authorizes access to adult collections.
APLS officials stated that the changes are intended to provide clearer guidance for library staff and ensure consistency across the state’s public libraries.
