The Fairhope Public Library was recognized by city leaders last week after having state funding temporarily cut over books the Alabama Public Library Services (APLS) deemed inappropriate.

The City of Fairhope announced the Fairhope Library Board was awarded its annual Volunteer of the Year, just two weeks after locals gathered at a city council meeting to voice their support for the library and condemn the APLS for their decision to pause state funding.

In a statement released by the City of Fairhope, the city recognized the Fairhope Public Library, including its board of trustees and staff, for their role in keeping the library a functioning institution and resource of the local community through the challenges they have faced this year. The Fairhope Public Library Board of Trustees and other volunteers were honored at a Volunteer Appreciation Dinner held by the city on April 1.

"Mayor Sherry Sullivan said that the Fairhope Public Library Board of Trustees were selected for their dedication to the library," the city said in a statement. "They have gone through a capital fundraising campaign, a major renovation and many challenges this year. Their dedication has significantly enriched the lives of Fairhope residents. They have devoted countless hours to the Fairhope Public Library, and I appreciate their willingness to serve."

"The Board of Trustees was delighted to receive the city's 'Fairhopers of the Year Award,'" said Anne Johnson, chair of the Fairhope Public Library Board of Trustees. "It means a lot to be recognized as citizen volunteers for the time and dedication we put in to the library we love. It was especially meaningful coming in time for National Library Week."

Recently, the APLS voted to temporarily cut state funding to the library over 35 titles they deemed were inappropriate for minors. It marks the first time APLS cut funding to a local library in Alabama since the new administrative code was adopted last year. The spending freeze resulted in a public outcry from the local community. The library is expected to make a decision on the titles during their April 21 meeting.

A fundraiser was started by the organization Read Freely Alabama to replenish the potential lost funds as a result of the freeze. By the end of its campaign, they raised over $46,000 across 17 days.