In this gripping episode, we delve into the heart of the battle for intellectual freedom with Angie Hayden, the visionary founder of Read Freely Alabama, and Elizabeth Williams, a passionate member of FemmSouth and organizer for Read Freely Alabama's Baldwin County chapter. Join us as Angie sheds light on the harrowing frontlines in Alabama, where the public library in Prattville stands as ground zero. Amidst the fallout from clashes with right-wing groups, Angie reveals the shocking dismissal of four dedicated library workers and the replacement of key positions with members of Clean Up Alabama and their allies. We also uncover the latest developments in Fairhope, Alabama, where groups like Moms For Liberty are pushing for a statewide implementation of Prattville's restrictive policies, limiting access to vital literature for young readers. Despite the challenges, Elizabeth shares inspiring accounts of Fairhope's resilient community rallying together to defend LGBTQ+ representation in their library and safeguard the livelihoods of their cherished librarians. Tune in as we explore the ongoing struggle to preserve freedom of expression in the heart of the Deep South.

FemmSouth

FemmSouth: Speaking up for Women's Rights in the South

EP 4.2 Let's Talk About Sex: Defending Books & Librarians Against Attacks

APR 22, 202449 MIN
FemmSouth

EP 4.2 Let's Talk About Sex: Defending Books & Librarians Against Attacks

APR 22, 202449 MIN

Description

In this gripping episode, we delve into the heart of the battle for intellectual freedom with Angie Hayden, the visionary founder of Read Freely Alabama, and Elizabeth Williams, a passionate member of FemmSouth and organizer for Read Freely Alabama's Baldwin County chapter. Join us as Angie sheds light on the harrowing frontlines in Alabama, where the public library in Prattville stands as ground zero. Amidst the fallout from clashes with right-wing groups, Angie reveals the shocking dismissal of four dedicated library workers and the replacement of key positions with members of Clean Up Alabama and their allies. We also uncover the latest developments in Fairhope, Alabama, where groups like Moms For Liberty are pushing for a statewide implementation of Prattville's restrictive policies, limiting access to vital literature for young readers. Despite the challenges, Elizabeth shares inspiring accounts of Fairhope's resilient community rallying together to defend LGBTQ+ representation in their library and safeguard the livelihoods of their cherished librarians. Tune in as we explore the ongoing struggle to preserve freedom of expression in the heart of the Deep South.