After more than 10 years leading Alabama’s state library agency, Nancy Pack was terminated by the board of trustees at the March 20 board meeting.

Pack was fired, effective immediately, from the Alabama Public Library Service, which distributes funding and training to about 200 libraries in the state, after almost two years of intense scrutiny from conservative groups, legislators and Gov. Kay Ivey about so-called “inappropriate content” in children’s library books.

Pack initially submitted a resignation letter to Chairman John Wahl that would have been effective Sept. 30. Board member Amy Minton then filed a motion to fire Pack immediately, which was passed with one opposing vote.

“I want to thank Doctor Pack for her service to the APLS organization, and I appreciate that she recognizes the need for her resignation,” Minton said.

“However, I believe the APLS needs an immediate shift in direction.”

Minton’s motion cited Pack’s general ineffectiveness in leading the state through code changes for age-appropriate books, according to the library service.

Assistant Director Kelyn Ralya will serve as acting director, according to APLS’ communications and public relations office.

In 2023, conservative groups Moms for Liberty and Clean Up Alabama began challenging library books that have themes based on race, gender or the LGBTQ community.

That year, Alabamians challenged more than 100 books in at least eight Alabama libraries.

Ivey demanded that the library service leave the national American Library Association and that local libraries move inappropriate content for children or risk losing millions of dollars in state funding.

An online complaint form eventually generated a list of books readers thought should be removed from children’s and young adult sections in libraries. It contained 82 books, including Amish romance novels and children’s books written by the late Rush Limbaugh, a conservative commentator. Librarians, who already have a complaint process in place, said they found the database to be useless.

Concerns over inappropriate books and potential censorship made it to the state legislature. The Alabama code for the library service was updated with Ivey’s demands.

The library board has undergone changes in the last few years. Ivey removed long-time board member Virginia Doyle after publicly sharing concerns over Ivey’s involvement.

Ivey appointed several new board members since 2023. Two of them previously challenged LGBTQ books and displays at local libraries. John Wahl is the leader of the state GOP party.

The firing comes days after an executive order from President Trump to shut down the federal Institute for Museum and Library Services.

About $3 million in funding to state libraries and local museums is in jeopardy, according to data obtained by AL.com.