APLS Rules Fairhope Library in Violation, Won't Restore Funding

APLS rules Fairhope library in violation, won't restore funding

The APLS board voted 3-2 to find the library noncompliant for including "sexually explicit" materials in youth sections.

APLS to continue withholding Fairhope Library funds over 'Handmaid's Tale,' other books

John Wahl, chair of the Alabama Public Library Service and the Alabama Republican Party speaks to attendees of a meeting on Jan. 15 2026. The APLS Board voted to continue denying state funds to Fairhope Public Library and declared ten books in its teen section, including Margaret Atwood's "The Handmaid's Tale," were sexually explicit and needed to be removed. (Ralph Chapoco/Alabama Reflector)The Alabama Public Library Service Thursday said that …

Fairhope Public Library denied state funding

The Fairhope Public Library will not receive state funding for the current fiscal year because several books shelved in sections for readers under 18 were found to have sexually explicit content, the Alabama Public Library Service (APLS) decided Thursday afternoon.