John Wahl Re-Elected as Chairman of the APLS Board
“Parents should have confidence that Alabama libraries are safe places for their families”—John Wahl
From APLS chairman John Wahl
Montgomery, AL — At the Alabama Public Library Service (APLS) board meeting today, John Wahl was re-elected to serve as Chairman of the state library board. Wahl's leadership, vision, and dedication to the mission of Alabama's libraries have earned him the confidence and support of his fellow board members for another term.
Wahl has been a strong advocate for expanding library resources, strengthening community engagement, and ensuring that Alabama families are respected. During his tenure, he has championed responsible stewardship of taxpayer resources, returning grant funding to local libraries, and securing guaranteed funding from the state legislature for libraries across Alabama.
"I am deeply honored to be re-elected as Chairman of the APLS Board," Wahl said. "For me, this role is about more than just overseeing an institution — it's about serving people and preserving the values that make our communities strong. Our public libraries are the heart of so many communities across Alabama. They are places where children learn, adults grow, and families come together. I want Alabama libraries to be places that inspire a passion for reading, encourage character, and offer resources that enrich and uplift our communities. I look forward to continuing the work of supporting our libraries and ensuring they reflect the values and needs of the people we serve."
Under Wahl's leadership, the APLS Board has also been a strong advocate for parental rights and the protection of children from sexually explicit content. The Board has worked to make sure Alabama's libraries remain safe, family-friendly environments where parents can trust the materials made available to young readers.
"As Chairman, I believe it is our responsibility to make sure children are protected from sexually explicit content," Wahl said. "Parents should have confidence that Alabama libraries are safe places for their families, and that they never have to worry about their children accidentally stumbling across books that push a sexual agenda. I am committed to defending parental rights and letting them decide what their children are exposed to. The bottom line is that our libraries should be centers of learning and inspiration — not places where social agendas are pushed on our children."
