UPDATED / ADDITIONAL INFORMATION: MURFREESBORO, Tenn. - The Rutherford County Library Alliance (RCLA) is urging residents to attend the upcoming February 2, 2026 meeting of the Rutherford County Library System (RCLS) Board, citing continued concerns over censorship, transparency, and the protection of constitutional rights within the county’s public libraries.
RCLA leaders say confusion across Tennessee libraries intensified after Secretary of State Tre Hargett issued a late-2025 directive calling for expedited age-appropriateness reviews of children’s and young adult books. Although the secretary later clarified that the directive should not be used to remove books from circulation, RCLA Board Chair Tatiana Silvas argues that shifting final authority to local library boards—without nationally recognized professional guidelines—opens the door to politicized decision-making and threatens First Amendment protections.
During a Rutherford County Library System Board of Directors meeting held in August 2025, Silvas addressed the board directly, warning against what she described as censorship rooted in personal or political ideology. According to the official meeting minutes, Silvas, “…argued against censorship based on personal / political views, and [a] need for diverse perspectives.”
At the board’s most recent meeting in December, Silvas spoke during the public comment period, posing a series of hypothetical questions. One of those hypotheticals centered on Board Chair Cody York reportedly entering into an agreement with the American Center for Law and Justice (ACLJ)...
Later in that same meeting, the board voted to formally retain the ACLJ to represent the library system during an ongoing review of policies and procedures. The board chair of the library explained that he had already signed the retention agreement, saying the decision was made after consulting staff and asking what his predecessor had done when legal counsel was needed... York then asked the board to ratify his prior decision to retain the ACLJ...
A brief discussion followed, with board member Allison Belt raising concerns about the ACLJ’s partisan reputation.... York responded, disagreeing with the characterization of the ACLJ as partisan...
The board ultimately voted 8–2 to approve the motion, with two members—including Belt—voting against moving forward with the legal organization.
According to the ACLJ’s own materials, much of the organization’s legal work focuses on defending religious liberty, constitutional law, national security issues, human life, judicial nominations, and the protection of patriotic expression.
Meanwhile, the Rutherford County Library Alliance continues to point to what it describes as a pattern of controversial actions by the RCLS Board over the past year. Those concerns include the temporary closure of all county libraries for inventory without a public vote, efforts to distance the system from American Library Association standards, and the unexplained disappearance of four books that had previously been approved to remain on library shelves.
The alliance also references whistleblower allegations made by Library Director Luanne R. James, who was appointed to the position in July 2025. James has alleged that Board Chair Cody York directed her to remove books outside of established policy...
James has stated that the books she was allegedly asked to remove never went before the board for review. York responded to those allegations by questioning whether such decisions fall under board authority or administrative responsibility... Silvas and the RCLA have also raised concerns about library board leadership seeking access to private patron information, calling such actions a potential violation of privacy and public trust.
The Rutherford County Library Alliance says it will continue advocating for adherence to professional library standards, transparent governance, and the protection of intellectual freedom. The group has announced plans for a public demonstration at Murfreesboro City Hall ahead of the February 2 board meeting (scroll down for previous release), urging residents to show support for the First Amendment and free access to information.
Previous News Story from WGNS
BELOW RELEASE FROM The Rutherford County Library Alliance (RCLA):
Murfreesboro, Tenn. --- Recent actions by Tennessee Secretary of State Tre Hargett have “further muddied the water” relating to operations of the Rutherford County Library System (RCLS), according to Rutherford County Library Alliance (RCLA) Board Chair Tatiana Silvas.
“We believe Secretary Hargett is walking back his directive because of fear of lawsuits,” Silvas said. “He is now tossing the authority back to local library boards in an effort to back out of the controversy. This is good, except we have experienced the recent bad decision-making of our own local board, which appears to act without guidance or adherence to widely accepted principles that most libraries across the nation adhere to. We want our local library staff and board to make good decisions with adequate community input, based on constitutional principles and professional protocols centered on widely accepted principles.”
In late 2025, Secretary Hargett sent a series of letters to libraries across the state instructing libraries to conduct an age-appropriateness review of children’s and young adult books within 60 days to ensure compliance with state and federal laws and a specific Trump-era executive order on gender ideology. Citizens, library groups and publishers widely criticized the directive from Secretary Hargett, citing censorship and First Amendment violations. In addition, a group of more than 30 advocacy organizations stated “the state’s directives will create widespread confusion, fear, and operational disruption across the state’s public libraries,”create “immense administrative burdens for library systems,” and may “lead to illegal censorship.”
Now, Secretary Hargett appears to be walking back his directive, according to Silvas. “We believe Secretary Hargett is correct to now state that this review shouldn't be used to remove books, and we appreciate that shift.
“However, he is now stating that local library boards can determine whether books are appropriate or not with no nationally accepted protocols as guidance. This is wrong. We have already experienced the decision-making of our local Library Board and its repeated votes to restrict access. Our citizens’ constitutional rights cannot be left to local political whims,” Silvas added. “The freedom to read is a constitutional principle that requires professional safeguards, not political popularity contests.”
Last year, the Rutherford County Library System Board of Directors took a number of actions that drew strong opposition and concern from people and organizations in the community.
- In an attempt to adhere to Secretary Hargett’s directive, the seven RCLS libraries were closed for a number of days to inventory books. The RCLS Board did not publicly vote on the closures, and there was no public discussion before the closures were announced.
- The Board repeatedly attempts to disassociate itself from the American Library Association and its guidelines. The ALA is the most respected and longstanding library organization in the country. The ALA works to “empower and advocate for libraries and library workers to ensure equitable access to information for all.” The founding principles o f the ALA are Access, Equity, Intellectual Freedom and Privacy, Public Good and Sustainability. The ALA was formed in 1876, and the Rutherford County Library System has followed its guidelines since our system’s founding.
- Four books that were voted to remain in our local libraries disappeared from the library’s shelves and catalog. The books are Forever… by Judy Blume; Over the River and Through the Wood: A Holiday Adventure by Lisa Marie Francis Child; The Antiracist Kid by Tiffany Jewel; and Making a Baby by Rachel Greener. The only “no” vote on record regarding these books by a RCLS board member is from Board Chair Cody York.
- Late last year, Library Director Luanne James claimed whistleblower status in a RCLS Board Meeting to state RCLS Board Chair Cody York instructed her to remove multiple books from the public library system without following the rules to do so. James said York had checked out books he personally wanted banned and kept the books for so long they were marked as lost and then removed from the system. James also said York asked her to gather a list of library patrons’ personal information, including which books they checked out. She said York wanted patrons’ names, their addresses, their zip codes, their barcodes, how many children and how many adults were in each household, and what they were checking out.
What the RCLA Reports They Want to See:
“Our public libraries are a cornerstone of American culture, and our own RCLS is a beacon of hope for the entire community,” Silvas said. “Evidently, there are forces at work that want to take that away, including some of the RCLS board members. That is what we oppose. People of all perspectives should be represented in the library’s collections, including our vulnerable LGBTQIA+ community members. The Rutherford County Library Alliance would like to see the following:
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Continued membership in and guidance from the American Library Association
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Reliance on professional library staff to make decisions on book selection and access
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Reading material access that reflects the entire community
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Transparent and public discussion by the RCLS Board of Directors regarding all aspects of their governance of the RCLS, and
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Adherence to the United States Constitution in all decision-making in our public libraries, recognizing the right to access information and personal decision making without retribution.
“We invite all in the community to join us in our resolute commitment to upholding intellectual freedom, supporting our local library staff, and cultivating an environment of kindness and empathy in Rutherford County’s public libraries,” Silvas added. “Together, we can create a future where censorship has no foothold, and where the pursuit of knowledge is a shared and cherished endeavor, accessible to all who seek it.”
About Rutherford County Library Alliance: Founded in 2023 in response to the “Decency Ordinance” (Ordinance 23-0-22), the Rutherford County Library Alliance is dedicated to safeguarding the principles of intellectual freedom and unrestricted access to information within the public library system of Rutherford County, Tennessee. Our mission is rooted in unwavering support for the dedicated local library staff, as well as a steadfast commitment to fostering kindness and empathy for all individuals, while vehemently opposing any form of censorship within our community.
RCLA Event Monday, February 2, 2026: We invite the community to join us Monday, February 2, 2026, at 4 p.m., just prior to the February Rutherford County Library System Board Meeting, on the plaza outside Murfreesboro City Hall. Please bring signs supporting the First Amendment, free and open access to books, supporting our library staff. We will demonstrate until 5 p.m., and then process into the Murfreesboro City Council Chambers for the Board Meeting at 5 p.m. We need to create a strong and visible presence.
- Previous News Story Released Earlier on Jan. 27, 2026: Click Here
ACLU Involved: The ACLU has recently gotten involved in the situation stating, "In two upcoming meetings, the Rutherford County Library System Board will vote on whether to eliminate library policies supporting the freedom to read and resisting censorship, and whether to remove approximately 2,700 children’s books from public shelves."
On February 2, the board will vote on which of the 2,700 books flagged during a state-ordered review will be permanently removed from circulation.
The ACLU says that these decisions would fundamentally alter how public libraries operate and whose voices are allowed on their shelves.
Background and Reading Retaliation Concerns (ACLU): These votes follow recent allegations by Library Director Luanne James, who has requested whistleblower protection. James alleges that Board Chair Cody York directed her to compile lists of patrons who checked out books with LGBTQ+ themes, including their names, addresses, and household information. York has denied the allegations.
“In a state that values personal freedom and limited government, books shouldn't vanish quietly from shelves while no one is watching. When libraries ban books to erase LGBTQ+ people or silence conversations about racial justice, they're denying young Tennesseans the information they need to understand themselves and the world around them,” said Dr. Cathryn Stout, director of strategic communications for the ACLU of Tennessee.
“Will public libraries in Rutherford County remain places where everyone can find themselves reflected in stories or will political pressure determine which voices belong? Parents, students, librarians, and community members will be watching. So will the ACLU of Tennessee,” Stout added.
How Rutherford County Reached This Point (ACLU): In October 2025, Tennessee Secretary of State Tre Hargett ordered libraries statewide to review children’s materials for “age-appropriateness” and content related to “gender ideology.”
In Rutherford County, two library branches closed so staff could review more than 60,000 books and approximately 2,700 titles were flagged. The list includes a Thanksgiving picture book featuring two dads and a board book explaining adoption and IVF.
The county also implemented a “graduated” library card system that restricts teenagers from checking out adult nonfiction — including SAT preparation materials — unless a parent appears in person.
The January 26 meeting would further eliminate all seven board committees responsible for budget, personnel, and policy oversight, consolidating authority while sidelining librarians and professional staff.
“People across Tennessee are watching what happens here,” said Claire Gardner, ACLU-TN community engagement director.
“We’ve seen this playbook before. PEN America has documented a national campaign targeting public libraries through legislative, administrative, and political pressure in an effort to silence stories that don’t fit a narrow worldview. But Tennesseans believe in freedom, and that includes the freedom to read. We are not backing down.”
Both meetings are open to the public, and residents will have the opportunity to speak. What the board decides will send a signal far beyond Rutherford County.
Upcoming Meetings:
Feb. 2, 2026 4PM
Location: Murfreesboro City Hall
Monday, February 2, 2026 — 5:00 PM CT
This also serves as a Regular Board Meeting at 5 PM
At the Council Chamber, Murfreesboro City Hall
From the ACLU: Due to Winter Storm Benjamin, the Rutherford County Library System has cancelled the January 26 Special Called Meeting. All library locations will be closed January 24-26. A rescheduled date has not been announced. The February 2 meeting remains on the calendar as of this update.
