Kentucky Library Law Set to Give Politicians Control Over Local Libraries

Last week, much drama unfolded surrounding a new library law in Kentucky. According to the Lexington Herald Leader, the Kentucky House of Representatives overrode a veto by Kentucky governor Andy Beshar concerning bill SB 167. The bill as stated can empower local politicians to appoint whomever they want to their local library boards and can also block major library spending. The law is scheduled to take effect in January 2023. Proponents state the that the bill is mainly about accountability and having the library boards answer to their elected voters. However, many critics point out that the bill is a veiled attempt to have politicians insert their ideological points of view into books on shelves and library programs and events, which should be and remain non-partisan.