Huntsville librarian speaks out on a bill that could penalize librarians

Concerns over House Bill 385

A bill Alabama state senators are reviewing could punish librarians for distributing material that is deemed obscene to children. The bill, known as House Bill 385, has already passed the house and is causing significant concern within the library community.

Librarian’s Perspective

Cindy Hewitt, the Executive Director of the Huntsville-Madison County library, expressed her worries about the potential implications of the bill on librarians statewide. She emphasized that the bill is overly broad and could severely restrict the operations of libraries.

According to Hewitt, the bill allows anyone to object to any material, program, or activity in the library, not just limited to books deemed inappropriate for children. This broad scope could make it nearly impossible for libraries to function effectively.

Challenges in Book Removal Process

If a book is challenged at the Huntsville-Madison County library, it is currently brought before a committee for review. The committee has up to 60 days to decide whether to remove the book based on various criteria, including its content and community standards.

However, House Bill 385 proposes a significantly shorter timeline, giving libraries only seven days to remove a challenged book. Hewitt highlighted that this compressed timeline does not allow for thorough consideration and evaluation of the book in question.

Defining Inappropriate Material

The bill includes a list of examples that would be deemed inappropriate, such as material that appeals to the prurient interest of minors, depicts sexual conduct, or lacks serious literary or artistic value. Hewitt raised concerns about the potential subjective interpretation of these criteria.

Community Standards vs. State Intervention

Hewitt emphasized the importance of books in libraries reflecting the standards of the local community rather than being subject to state government oversight. She expressed concern that external parties could object to books in the library, leading to potential legal repercussions for librarians.

She highlighted that non-compliance with the bill could result in misdemeanor charges, involving district attorneys in the enforcement process. This added legal dimension could have serious implications for librarians and library operations.

Conclusion

As the legislative session in Alabama nears its end, the fate of House Bill 385 hangs in the balance. The concerns raised by Huntsville librarian Cindy Hewitt shed light on the potential impact of the bill on librarians and libraries statewide.

It remains to be seen how state senators will address these concerns and whether amendments will be made to the bill to accommodate the needs and considerations of the library community.