Mobile Bookstore Unveiled: Alabama Woman Debuts State's First Moving Banished Literature Store
In the heart of Alabama, a 1940 Ford pickup truck has been transformed into a unique mobile library, named The Banned Wagon. Its mission is to challenge the fear surrounding banned books and demonstrate that they are not as scary as some want people to think.
Behind this initiative is Karie Fugett, an Alabama woman who was moved to action by the local book banning in Baldwin County. Fugett's roving library will not only sell banned books but also aims to educate people about them. The Banned Wagon is more than just a library; it's a platform for promoting the importance of reading diversified perspectives and understanding.
The creation of The Banned Wagon is a direct response to the book banning efforts in Fairhope and other libraries in Baldwin County, Alabama. Fugett's inspiration came from the fight over banning books in Fairhope, a struggle that has led to the purging of certain books from libraries like Spanish Fort Public Library.
One such example is a children's book about a gay married man who has collected too many chickens, and another about a two-father family who begin to get into silly mix-ups while doing chores. These books, along with others, have been removed from children's sections in Spanish Fort Public Library, according to reports.
The Alabama Public Library Service (APLS) is also taking a stance against such books. They are considering withholding state funding from Fairhope Public Library due to its continued shelving of 'sexually explicit' books for minors, and there are indications that they may permanently withhold funding.
APLS's board is working towards banning all positive depictions of gender transition from children and youth sections, adding to the ongoing controversy.
Fugett's goal with The Banned Wagon is to help people accept themselves and others for who they are, despite differences. She believes that reading about diverse perspectives and lives is important for building empathy. The Banned Wagon will also sell houseplants and antiques, making it a one-stop shop for those seeking knowledge, tranquillity, and unique items.
For those interested in learning more, Karie Fugett can be reached at jholmes@our website. Fugett plans to ride The Banned Wagon around the southern United States, promoting the importance of reading diversified perspectives and understanding. As The Banned Wagon journeys through towns and cities, it aims to challenge the fear surrounding banned books and foster a culture of acceptance and understanding.
