APLS Board Issues Statement Following Thursday’s Board Meeting

The following press release, dated Match 20, 2025 was received by ALPolitics.com. We have chosen to post it in it's entirety:

Alabama Public Library Service Board Takes Key Actions to Enhance Transparency, Ensure Compliance, and Appoint New Leadership

Montgomery, AL – The Alabama Public Library Service (APLS) Board, under the leadership of Chairman John Wahl, took significant action during today’s board meeting to promote transparency, enforce state policies, and ensure strong leadership moving forward.

1. Enhancing Public Transparency
At the request of Chairman Wahl, the board approved several measures to improve public access to APLS proceedings. Moving forward, APLS Board meetings will be live-streamed, all meeting minutes will be posted on the APLS website (https://aplsws2.apls.state.al.us), and future meeting agendas will be released in advance.

“Transparency is a cornerstone of good governance,” said Chairman Wahl. “These actions will ensure the public remains informed and engaged with the work of APLS, helping to build trust and accountability within our communities.”

2. Temporary Suspension of State Funding for Fairhope Public Library
The board voted to temporarily suspend state funding for the Fairhope Public Library due to non-compliance with APLS code regarding inappropriate material in children's sections. Funding will be reinstated once the library resolves the issue and demonstrates compliance with state guidelines.

“The APLS Board has a strong track record of defending parental rights and safeguarding children from sexually explicit material. Recent code changes made it clear that local libraries had to relocate inappropriate content from youth sections. Our goal is not to punish anyone but to ensure that all libraries receiving state funding adhere to the established standards that protect our children,” Chairman Wahl stated. “We look forward to working with Fairhope Public Library to resolve this matter so that funding can be restored as soon as possible.”

3. Leadership Change at APLS
The APLS Board made the decision to relieve APLS Director Nancy Pack of her duties, effective immediately. The vote came after she submitted her resignation letter, which would have been effective September 30, 2025.

“The Alabama Public Library Service is committed to the highest standards. The board felt that immediate change was needed to streamline operations and best serve the people of Alabama. We are looking forward to this new chapter and working together as a team,” said Chairman Wahl.

The board has appointed Kelyn Ralya as interim director while a search for a permanent director is conducted.