Tyler Public Library Timeline
These receipts show years of inaction and document unsuccessful attempts by citizens to get the Tyler Public Library and the Tyler City Council to move explicit books from the children and young adult sections into appropriate sections at the Tyler Public Library.
We must protect our children. I’m working to make it happen.
(1) 09/27/2021
Library Director refused meeting to answer questions on Monthly Statistical Report
(2) 12/03/2021
Library & City Asst Manager refused to provide potential book purchase lists prior to purchasing
(3) 12/13/2021
Presented Executive Summary to Councilman Hene; briefed Councilman Wynne about inappropriate materials by Toni & Tom Fabry and Dee Chambless
(4) 02/04/2022
Presented Executive Summary to Councilman Hene; briefed Councilman Wynne about inappropriate materials by Toni & Tom Fabry and Dee Chambless
(5) 06/19/2022
Study presented to Councilmen Hene & Wynne documenting policy and operational problems by Toni & Tom Fabry and Dee Chambless
(6) 06/29/2022
Library Director emailed insinuating lawsuits might result from moving explicit books
(7) 06/30/2022
Mayor claimed issue of minors checking out adult books was solved
(8) 08/23/2022
Presented additional study to Councilmen; documented issues with bundling and influence of ALA/TLA by Toni & Tom Fabry and Dee Chambless
(9) 11/02/2022
Final report, six recommended action items delivered by Toni & Tom Fabry and Dee Chambless
(10) 01/09/2023
Found 12 adult-rated books in YA section
(11) 01/09/2023
Multiple book relocation reconsiderations denied by Librarian
(12) 01/09/2023
Spanish version of Adult rated book in YA section (English version in Adult section)
(13) 01/12/2023
Librarian email defended explicit YA materials; defined YA as ages 13-24
(14) 03/06/2023
Summary letter sent to City Council regarding inaction to the Library issues
(15) 04/15/2023
Librarian refused to place collection policies on agenda
(16) 05/23/2023
Library Director lobbied board to keep explicit book in YA
(17) 06/21/2023
Explicit cartoon drawings in juvenile section removed after patron request
(18) 07/27/2023
Email explained “creepers” caused YA move to TEEN section, “All Boys Aren’t Blue” finally moved after 8 months of inaction
(19) 08/23/2023
“Emergency” meeting held, filled open Library Board seats without public input
(20) 09/13/2023
Council voted unanimously to approve slate of numerous board (including 5 Library Board) and commission positions without discussion regarding particular appointments.
(21) 01/03/2024
Book reconsiderations sent to Mayor and Library Director
(22) 10/08/2024
Library moved physical book to adult section, left audio version in YA
(23) 10/16/2024
Mayor & Council receive letter from District Attorney warning about being in violation of Open Meetings Act over the “Emergency” meeting on 8/23/23 and subsequent meeting on 9/13/23 that voted in a slate of board & commission positions unanimously without discussion.
(24) 09/04/2025
Dee Chambless presented documentation of library issues to John Nix – over 3 years of inaction
(25) 09/29/2025
Nix checked out harmful books from library, posted campaign video shedding light on issues
(26) 09/30/2025
Head librarian demoted by City Manager
(27) 10/08/2025
Letter to Mayor/Council regarding relocation request on 6/2023 for Out of Darkness
(28) 10/15/2025
Letter from Librarian regarding creating new teen section, states “has no control over audiobooks”