Several state and local libraries around the country are cutting ties with the American Library Association. The organization has been pushing back against right-wing-led book-ban movements.
And now the Arizona Freedom Caucus has called for the state’s library association to cut ties.
But Pima County Public Library Director Amber Mathewson says that would be a mistake.
"So then they would miss out on funding that can come through, they miss out on having that larger advocacy organization, and also miss out on opportunities for continued education," Mathewson said.
Arizona libraries received $1.9 millionfrom the ALA over the past two years.
“What has gotten tied up in all of this is that there is a concerted effort around the country to ban books, especially books that have LGBTQ+ themes or are written by people of color," Mathewson said.
A statement from the Arizona Library Association defends the ALA and suggests no signs of wanting to leave.
