Big Sky Times

Last week, the Montana State Library announced its withdrawal from the American Library Association following a controversial tweet. Despite benefiting from ALA membership, the decision raises concerns about the impact on Montana's libraries.

"The Executive Board of the Montana Library Association deeply regrets the decision by the Montana State Library Commission to withdraw from the American Library Association," Montana State Library President Sarah Creech said.

According to a press release issued on July 11, In a surprising turn of events, the Montana State Library has voted to withdraw its membership from the American Library Association (ALA), a renowned national nonprofit organization that has been championing libraries and providing valuable services since its establishment in 1876. The decision came after a tweet made by an ALA member last year sparked controversy and led to a heated debate among the library community.

According to the Montana Free Press, on July 11, the seven-member Montana State Library Commission convened to address the matter and ultimately voted 5-1-1 to immediately sever ties with the ALA. Commission Chair Peggy Taylor chose to abstain from voting, while Commissioner Brian Rossmann, the only active librarian on the commission, cast the lone opposing vote.

According to several new sources, including Yahoo News, the contentious tweet that triggered the chain of events read, "I just cannot believe that a Marxist lesbian who believes that collective power is possible to build and can be wielded for a better world is the president-elect of @ALALibrary. I am so excited for what we will do together. Solidarity! And my mom is SO PROUD I love you mom." The tweet has since been deleted.

In response to the decision, the Executive Board and Executive Director of the Montana Library Association, along with President Sarah Creech, Vice President Sean Anderson, Treasurer/Secretary Kirk Vriesman, and Executive Director Kelly Reisig, released a joint statement expressing their regret over the withdrawal. The statement emphasized the hope that the Montana State Library Commission would reconsider its decision and maintain its affiliation with the ALA.

"The Executive Board of the Montana Library Association deeply regrets the decision by the Montana State Library Commission to withdraw from the American Library Association," the statement read. "It is our earnest hope that the Montana State Library Commission will reconsider its decision and choose not to sever ties with the American Library Association."

The ALA issued a press companion release reaffirming its commitment to supporting libraries nationwide. The joint letter and press release highlighted Montana's benefits from its ALA membership, including access to specialized divisions and significant financial grants awarded to Montana libraries. Montana has been awarded more than $218,000 to 23 Montana libraries since 2021. The withdrawal decision raises concerns about the potential loss of these benefits and resources for Montana libraries.

 The joint letter and press release highlighted Montana's benefits from its ALA membership, including access to specialized divisions and significant financial grants awarded to Montana libraries. The withdrawal decision raises concerns about the potential loss of these benefits and resources for Montana libraries.