Library board orders individual review of disputed titles after heated debate over "gender ideology" list

The Anderson County Library Board on May 28 voted to review the disposition of each title on a countywide list of books identified for content review rather than immediately removing the entire list from circulation. The board's action came after hours of public comment and a prolonged debate over whether a letter from the Tennessee Secretary of State's office required moving titles to more age-appropriate sections or removing them entirely.

The board's public-comment period included a warning from resident and library employee Elijah Byrd, who said the county risked costly litigation if it pursued broad removals. “If the board is not considering the protests of residents, I would hope that they consider the impact that this could have on our county,” Byrd told trustees, citing out-of-state cases in which local governments faced large legal bills. A second resident, Carolyn Boswell, urged trustees to let librarians follow American Library Association standards for collection development so libraries can ‘‘proceed in peace.’’

Trustees debated competing approaches. Some members said the state's October letter and FAQ asked for an age-appropriateness review and relocation in the catalog; others moved to remove titles the board described as related to "gender ideology." At the meeting a trustee moved to remove the identified titles; facing divided views the board instead amended the motion and voted to consider each book individually, with dispositions to include moving a title to another section, holding it behind the desk, or removing it from circulation.

A trustee noted substantial variation in local counts of affected titles: members cited lists showing dozens at specific branches (one trustee said Clinton had 54 titles on its list; others cited additional sets at Bryceville and Rocky Top) and estimated the consolidated list at roughly 95–105 items. The board agreed that the titles already taken from shelves would remain off circulation while reviewers complete individual determinations.

Library directors said staff had already reviewed many of the flagged items and that no systemwide ban had been imposed. One trustee summarized the board's compliance plan: submit the compiled list to the Secretary of State's office and report that the items are off circulation pending individual review.

Board members also debated the legal and policy framework for the work, including the secretary of state's guidance and Tennessee open-meeting rules. Several trustees warned that blanket removals could expose the county to lawsuits and urged adherence to the board's existing reconsideration process: an objecting trustee notifies the librarian, the librarian holds the title, staff provides contextual information, and the matter goes on the public board agenda if the objection stands.

The amendment to require an individual disposition for each title passed after being seconded; one trustee recorded opposition during the voice vote. With the motion carried, the board directed staff to maintain records of the removed or held titles and continue internal and public review in future meetings. The board also discussed sending the compiled list to the Secretary of State's office to document compliance with the state's request.