The Libraries of Llano County, Texas: The End of Civility, Legality, the Rights of the Young to Learn and Mature, and the Public Itself

Abstract

Historically, Texas often claims its greatness by size. Over several centuries, that has been a mixed bag. But the state’s radical political shift to the right threatens whatever is good in that legacy. In small but extreme right wing–dominated counties like Llano (eighty miles northwest of Austin in the Hill Country), when it comes to basic public facilities like libraries, the presence of books on the shelves, full access to both print and online materials, and professional staffing are under attack. The censorship and stripping of resources underway flouts the civil and legal rights of tax-paying residents, especially young readers. Constituting an illegal right-wing takeover of a public good, actions undermining the public library services in the county are an active danger to the local and the larger community.