Story perspectives

Rutherford Library Board Considers Firing Director Over LGBTQ+ Books

3/31/2026

Summary

Story summary

The Rutherford County Library Board will meet to discuss firing Luanne James, the library director, after she refused to remove over 100 LGBTQ+ books.
James alleges Cody York, the board chair, asked her to track patrons’ information.
PEN America, an anti-censorship group, supports James’s stance protecting readers’ rights.
PEN America reported nearly 6,900 bans across 23 states in 2024-2025, signaling a trend to restrict LGBTQ+ themes, race, and gender identity.

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Story summary

The Rutherford County Library Board will meet to discuss firing Luanne James, the library director, after she refused to remove over 100 LGBTQ+ books.
James alleges Cody York, the board chair, asked her to track patrons’ information.
PEN America, an anti-censorship group, supports James’s stance protecting readers’ rights.
PEN America reported nearly 6,900 bans across 23 states in 2024-2025, signaling a trend to restrict LGBTQ+ themes, race, and gender identity.