Florida Counties Eliminating Libraries and Librarians

Clay County is considering eliminating school libraries entirely, and Palm Beach County fired all 76 media specialists to save $3.3M. These moves are framed as modernization or budget cuts but effectively dismantle access to books after hundreds of challenges. A new local election story in Clay County reveals incumbent school board member Hanson proudly claims credit for removing nearly 500 titles, while challenger Rathjen acknowledges an 'overcorrection' but still supports parental control; the budget crisis from vouchers adds another layer. A recent roundup also notes Clay County officials now questioning the very need for high school libraries. Additionally, in Panama City Beach, the city council is considering moving all adult books online to free up space for Parks & Rec, despite adult fiction being the most circulated section—another structural attack on library access. A recent article exposes the flawed logic of comparing prison bans to school libraries, a common book banner talking point, and ties it to the ultimate goal of decimating school libraries, referencing Clay County. A new list of banned books in Central Florida for 2024-2025 confirms Clay County leads with 282 removals.