Controversy Stirs as Sumner County Libraries Restructure Children's Section
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Controversy Stirs as Sumner County Libraries Restructure Children's Section
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Sumner County Libraries Reviewing Children’s Section Materials After State Directive |
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By Paul M. Graden, Ph.D.
Library boards across Tennessee are beginning a comprehensive review of materials in their juvenile children’s sections following a directive from Secretary of State Tre Hargett. The letter, dated October 27, 2025, was sent to every library director in the state, including the Westmoreland Public Library of Sumner County. It was later read aloud during the Sumner County Library Board’s November 12 meeting as part of the county’s broader discussion on library policy.
The review specifically targets materials designated for ages 12 and under. It asks library directors and boards to evaluate whether any books in those sections might violate Tennessee’s age-appropriateness laws or federal standards, including a 2025 presidential executive order referencing “gender ideology” and “biological truth.”
The issue has attracted both strong support and some opposition in Sumner County. Many residents have publicly urged the removal of materials addressing transgender topics from children’s sections, while others argue that the books should remain to support inclusion and representation. Library boards across the region are attempting to balance those views with legal obligations and community expectations.
Each library has 60 days to complete its review and submit a final report to the Secretary of State’s office by January 19, 2026. That report must list any titles found to be inconsistent with applicable laws and describe any action taken regarding them.
Below is the full text of the letter from Secretary of State Tre Hargett, as sent to every library director in Tennessee. Letter from Tennessee Secretary of State Tre HargettOctober 27, 2025 State of Tennessee
October 27, 2025 Ms. Phyllis Stratford & Mr. Mike Bryan
Dear Ms. Stratford & Mr. Bryan,
My office and the Tennessee State Library & Archives have long recognized and supported local control and local decision-making in libraries. Library decisions should be shaped by the values of the library's community as well as the fiscal limitations that require tough decisions about how to spend finite dollars over an almost infinite number of books. Libraries are best suited to make the decisions regarding the books they purchase, and they also have policies in place to review materials that may be challenged. I believe that this level of local decision-making helps build a strong library that is well-supported by its community.
Libraries, however, often use state and federal funding that is typically facilitated through the Tennessee State Library & Archives to purchase materials for their collections. It is my responsibility and the responsibility of the State Librarian and Archivist to ensure that any recipient of state or federal funds understands that it must comply with all applicable federal and state laws and grant agreements. I am keenly aware of the need to ensure that our federal and state funding is used in accordance with all laws and not put at risk due to potential misuse by an individual library or librarian. Said more specifically, I cannot allow the actions of one library to potentially harm and impact over 200 other libraries throughout the state.
I want to do all I can to ensure that local decision-making for materials purchased with state and federal funds remains intact, and I need your help to ensure that the decisions around collection purchases are in accordance with all applicable laws and the Regional Library System's Library Service Agreement.
With this background as context, I am asking the following of each library in the Regional Library System:
1. Please undertake an immediate age-appropriateness review (over the next 60 days) of all materials in your juvenile children's section. As part of this review, please identify any materials that may be inconsistent with Tennessee age-appropriateness laws, in violation of any federal law, including President Trump's Executive Order, or otherwise contrary to any other applicable state or federal laws.
a. The Board of Directors should be provided a report of the review from the Library Director.
2. Please provide a final report of your review to my office and the Tennessee State Librarian and Archivist by January 19, 2026. The report should include a summary of any titles that you determined were not age-appropriate for the juvenile children's section and what actions the board took regarding such titles.
Additionally, legitimate concerns about a particular book in your juvenile children's collection have been brought to my attention. Fred Gets Dressed, by Peter Brown, is worthy of review both for age-appropriateness and to determine whether the book and its purchase comply with President Trump's Executive Order titled "Defending Women from Gender Ideology Extremism and Restoring Biological Truth to the Federal Government," which I shared with you in an earlier letter (enclosed).
I recommend that, if you have questions regarding these reviews, your library's county or city attorney guide you through the reviews.
I have asked our State Librarian & Archivist, Jamie Ritter, to reach out to you directly to help answer questions you may have and to clarify any aspect of your juvenile children's collection review. He will be in touch with you to schedule a time to discuss this.
I want to thank you for your continued service. As I have said before, strong libraries are essential to strong communities. Thank you once again for the many ways you are serving your community.
Sincerely, |