TBA Law Blog


Posted by: Azya Thornton on Jan 28, 2026

Nearly 3,000 books are being pulled from public library shelves across Rutherford County following a letter from Secretary of State Tre Hargett prompting a review of juvenile collections across nearly all state public libraries, the Tennessean reports. Four Anne Frank biographies, more than 30 books focused on the Bible, five books on women’s history and suffrage, and books on ancient civilizations were among those removed for review. The request gave libraries 60 days to complete a full audit to avoid risking state and federal funding and has led Rutherford County librarians to flag 2,712 books for review. Hargett’s office has disputed that the letter was an order, saying the review was voluntary and decisions remain local, though librarians said the process caused staffing strains and temporary library closures. A federal judge has declined to block ongoing book bans in November after students sued the Rutherford County Board in April. The books will remain unavailable until a Feb. 2 county library board meeting determines to return them to shelves, relocate or remove.