EveryLibrary Joins Read Freely Alabama in Opposing New Anti-Trans APLS Code Change

EveryLibrary has joined with Read Freely Alabama, the Alabama Transgender Rights Action Coalition, PEN America, Authors Against Book Bans, and other national organizations to issue a joint statement condemning the Alabama Public Library Service’s newly adopted code change, which restricts youth access to books featuring transgender representation.

The complete joint statement is available on the Read Freely Alabama website.

The code change by the Alabama Public Library Service requires libraries to remove or relocate "any materials regarding transgender procedures, gender ideology, or the concept of more than two biological genders." This action establishes a sweeping, state-mandated censorship regime. Its vague language and discriminatory intent will push age-appropriate books with transgender or LGBTQ+ representation out of the hands of young readers and override long-standing local collection development processes in Alabama communities.

As Executive Director John Chrastka stated in the joint statement, “This is an extraordinary and unlawful intrusion by state officials into the constitutionally protected rights of readers. Its intent and effect are blatantly discriminatory, singling out transgender and broader LGBTQ+ identities for exclusion and signaling that those Alabamians are unworthy of recognition in their own public institutions. Public libraries exist to serve all readers without fear or favor. This rule betrays that basic purpose.”

We encourage advocates, library workers, and community members to read and share the full joint statement at ReadFreelyAlabama.org and support efforts to push back against this unprecedented state-level censorship. EveryLibrary will continue to stand with our partners in Alabama and across the country to defend the rights of readers and uphold the mission of public libraries.