Alabama board removes pro-transgender books from children’s sections of libraries

Alabama’s top library board voted Thursday to move all books promoting transgender ideology out of children’s and teen sections in public libraries statewide.

The policy will require any title discussing “transgender procedures, gender ideology or the concept of more than two biological genders” to be placed in adult sections starting in 2026.

The Alabama Public Library Service Board approved the rule after months of debate. Board Chairman John Wahl, who also chairs the Alabama Republican Party, said the goal is to give parents – not activists or institutions – direct control over what their children see. 

“We want to put Alabama families in charge,” Wahl said. “We want them to make the decision what is best for their families.” 

He called the vote “a major step forward in putting parents back in control in what their children are exposed to.” 

The rule changes expand existing standards requiring children’s areas to remain free of sexually explicit material. The new text says youth sections must also be free of content deemed inappropriate for children, and “all material containing such content must be weeded out of the library’s collection or relocated to an adult section.” 

Opponents argued the change amounts to censorship. 

Protester Mack Reynolds stood outside the meeting with a sign claiming “positive representation” should not be treated as explicit content. Reynolds, who identifies as transgender, said books help children understand others. 

“What I hope is that other children can approach my daughter with curiosity and compassion,” Reynolds said. 

During the public comment period, Alabama resident Jim Vickery told the board the proposal was an attack on LGBT families. 

“Most of the people of Alabama have not asked for this latest library-fixated assault,” he said. 

But board member Amy Minton said most comments submitted ahead of the vote supported the new rule. 

“This is what the majority of people of Alabama want,” Minton said. 

Supporters of the policy pointed out parents who want these books can still access them in adult sections. Additionally, people can still purchase these books from stores if they wish. 

The board also tightened library card restrictions for minors. Under the change, a standard youth library card cannot check out adult materials. Parents may request an all-access card if they want to let their kids check out materials from the adult section.