Report: “A Texas County Has Told an Appeals Court It Has a Right to Cull Books on Sex, Gender and Racism” + Statement From EveryLibrary

Ed. Note: We will update this post with additional media reports.

UPDATE 2: Audio Recording of Oral Argument (Sept. 24) Now Available

UPDATE: Statement From EveryLibrary on the Misapplication of the Government Speech Doctrine in Little v. Llano County

From the Associated Press:

A Texas county that wants to keep 17 books off its shelves — some dealing humorously with flatulence and others with issues including sex, gender identity and racism — argued its case Tuesday before 18 federal appeals court judges amid questions on whether the rights of the patrons or county officials were at risk.

Library patrons filed suit in 2022 against numerous officials with the Llano County library system and the county government after the books were removed. A federal district judge in Texas issued a preliminary injunction requiring that the books be returned in 2023.

[Clip]

Judges closely questioned attorneys on both sides as attorneys supporting the county said government officials’ decisions in curating a library’s book selection amount to protected government speech.

Learn More, Read the Complete Article (about 620 words)

Additional Coverage

See Also: Case Docket + Filings (via CourtListener)

Filed under: Libraries, News, Patrons and Users, Public Libraries, Reports