Fairhope Library Funds Paused, Director Fired at APLS Board Meeting

Thursday’s APLS Board meeting saw one Library have its funds paused, the APLS Director fired, and a new Acting Director installed.

Fairhope Library’s state funds have been paused until the Library comes into compliance with Alabama Public Library System (APLS) codes related to keeping inappropriate materials away from children.

After nearly two hours of testimony from concerned citizens about this issue, the Board voted to suspend funds until the Library removes books deemed inappropriate from its children’s section. The pertinent changes to the APLS Code were made last May at the request of Governor Kay Ivey. APLS Board member (now Board Chair, and Chair of the Alabama Republican Party) John Wahl strongly supported these changes before the Board.

The changes made last May required libraries to develop policies addressing how minors are protected from access to sexually inappropriate materials. These policies must include provisions for insuring that such materials are located in areas not targeted for children.

With several complaints being made that Fairhope’s Library had not done so, the Board suspended state funds until such time as the Fairhope Library comes into compliance.

ALPolitics.com has been informed of other libraries which may also be noncompliant with the new APLS Code, but no other action on this issue was taken by the Board at Thursday’s meeting.

An additional concern related to the new APLS Code is President Trump’s Executive Order (EO) “DEFENDING WOMEN FROM GENDER IDEOLOGY EXTREMISM AND RESTORING BIOLOGICAL TRUTH TO THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT,” signed January 20, 2025. This order states that the Trump “Administration will defend women’s rights and protect freedom of conscience by using clear and accurate language and policies that recognize women are biologically female, and men are biologically male.” The EO recognizes only two genders, male and female, and states that “Federal funds shall not be used to promote gender ideology.” Since some of the inappropriate books questioned at Thursday’s Board meeting promote gender ideology, there are concerns that being noncompliant with the APLS Code and EO might lead to a loss of federal funds for some or all libraries across the State.

As the meeting drew to a close, Chairman Wahl disclosed that he had received and accepted a letter of resignation from APLS Director Dr. Nancy Pack, effective September 30. Board member Amy Minton moved to terminate Pack immediately, saying “APLS needs an immediate shift in direction.” Minton went on to thank Pack for her service, saying her motion was not personal. The Board then passed Minton’s motion, with only Board Member Ron Snider voting “no.”

An emotional Pack requested two weeks to clear her office and organize her files, but upon consultation, the APLS attorney informed her that the termination was immediate. She then left the meeting, removed a few things from her office and left the building.

The Board appointed Kelyn Ralya as Acting Director.

ALPolitics.com reached out to APLS for a statement on the Board meeting, but the only information given was that Dr. Nancy C. Pack was fired as APLS Director, effective immediately. Kelyn Ralya is the new acting director for APLS.

Groups who both supported and opposed last May’s Code changes were quick to respond to the  Board's actions.

Read Freely Alabama, a group that “supports, connects and mobilizes, parent and community member-lead initiatives, fighting against censorship and book bans” posted the following on their Facebook page:

“The APLS Board Meeting was today, and while we were outnumbered we had some amazing speakers and were so grateful to connect with such wonderful people.

Unfortunately, anti-library extremists, aided and abetted by John Wahl, have completed their hostile takeover of the Alabama Public Library Service Commission.”

The group then listed Chairman Wahl’s email address, for those who were “concerned about these decisions” by the Board.

Clean Up Alabama, a group that has been vocal in support the APLS Code changes, said in a statement:

“Clean Up Alabama commends the APLS board for their decisive actions today in holding taxpayer-funded libraries accountable. By removing state funds from Fairhope Public Library for failing to enforce their own policies, the board has sent a clear message that approving policies on paper is not enough—libraries must actively implement them. Additionally, the board unanimously voted to send letters to all state-funded libraries that receive federal funds, mandating compliance with the federal government's directive to remove materials related to gender identity or sexual orientation, or risk losing federal funding. Finally, after years of resistance to protecting children in Alabama libraries, Nancy Pack has been immediately terminated as APLS director. We look forward to the leadership of Interim Director Kelyn Ralya and the continued commitment to safeguarding Alabama's children from harmful materials.”

ALPolitics.com has reached out to Chairman Wahl, Board Member Minton and others who spoke at Thursday’s Board meeting, but as this article was going to press they had not yet responded. We will report their responses when available.