SB26 (2026) weakens the independence of Alabama’s public library boards, strips local boards of stability by making every member “serve at the pleasure” of their appointing authority, and requires every library board in the state to file annual book removal reports directly to the Governor, Speaker of the House, and Senate Pro Tem detailing every action related to reviewing or removing materials. This creates a coercive reporting system that invites political interference in local collection decisions.

SB26, presented as a governance bill, actually weakens library board independence and opens the door to more political coercion at a time when libraries are already under attack. Together, these changes undermine good governance, erode local control, and make libraries more vulnerable to state-driven censorship efforts. Alabama’s libraries belong to their communities, not to political actors in Montgomery.

SB26 has passed a key House Committee and now moves to the full House. Please Tell Your State Representative to Vote NO on SB26. Use this form to contact your state Representative today. Urge them to oppose SB26 and protect independent, community-led libraries in Alabama.