Wyoming Gov. Mark Gordon and Wyoming State Library Call on American Library Association to Open Discussions About Group’s Direction

Gov. Mark Gordon, State Library Division Director Patricia Bach and State Librarian Jamie Markus sent a letter to the American Library Association on Monday expressing worry that the organization “has become politicized” and calling on the group to open discussions with Wyoming to address the concern.

“This change has been reflected in views expressed by its current leadership, as well as actions and guidance that appear to stray from ALA’s core mission ‘to provide leadership for the development, promotion, and improvement of library and information services and the profession of librarianship in order to enhance learning and ensure access to information for all,’” the letter, addressed to American Library Association Executive Director Tracie Hall and signed by Markus, the state librarian, says.

The letter, which the governor’s office provided to the Star-Tribune, calls on Hall “to open a dialogue” with Wyoming through the Western Council of State Libraries and the Chief Officers of State Library Agencies.

Direct to Full Text Article (Including Embed of Letter; about 2200 words)