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.

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.

Please Tell Your State Senator: Vote NO on SB26. Use this form to contact your State Senator today. Urge them to oppose SB26 and protect independent, community-led libraries in Alabama.