LaVonnia Moore spent 15 years serving her Pierce County, Georgia, community, including five years as manager of the local library. She thought she knew what libraries were for: fostering curiosity, welcoming every reader, and creating spaces where the community could see itself reflected on the shelves.But in June, Moore found herself fired for doing just that.The longtime librarian told our sister brand, The Advocate, that she was terminated last month after including When Aidan Became a Brother, an award-winning picture book about a transgender boy, in a summer reading display assembled with community input. A child came to Moore and suggested the book as part of a colorful exhibit.I wasnt going to tell the kid no, Moore said. I was just happy the kid was reading, happy they were engaging in their library.Georgias official 2025 summer reading theme, Color Our World, was meant to celebrate diversity and creativity. Moore invited patrons, parents, and children to help curate a display showcasing colorful books. She said a child and their parents selected When Aidan Became a Brother from the librarys collection, which explores family love and identity when a young trans boy becomes an older sibling.The community engagement came together and built a display, Moore said. She said that as a public library, everyone in the community should be reflected. Just because you dont see people every day doesnt mean theyre not here," she said. When Aidan Became a Brother is an award-winning picture book.Courtesy Lee & Low BooksRelated: Virginia Republicans vote to take control of local library after losing fight to remove LGBTQ+ booksBut shortly after the display went up, Moore began hearing that the Alliance for Faith and Family, a local conservative Christian group, was targeting her.On June 18, the small group condemned Moore on social media, writing, Pierce County library manager promotes transgender childrens book front and center of summer reading program even after library system change. The group urged people to write to members of the library system and local elected government officials. The Alliance for Faith and Family even provided a sample email urging citizens to pressure county officials to act. In that email, the sender claimed it was beyond sad that the library was promoting When Aidan Became a Brother, calling the book mental manipulation (also known today as mental rape) of children where adults get children to focus on their sexuality and confuse them, teaching them God made them incorrectly. The email alleged Moore chose the book and no one else, urging commissioners to correct the problem quickly, for the sake of standing up for whats right and for the sake of the children in our community.On June 21, the group boasted online that the display has been removed, and LaVonnia is no longer the Pierce County Library Manager and urged supporters to thank local leaders for acting quickly.Moore said she was called in on her day off by Three Rivers Regional Library System director Jeremy Snell, expecting to discuss the situation, but was instead handed termination papers citing poor decision in the line of performance of duty.Snell did not answer The Advocates questions about the reasons for Moores termination, the role of the Alliance for Faith and Family, local elected leadership influences, or whether Moore had any prior disciplinary record. Instead, he wrote, In consultation with legal counsel, it is not possible to comment on this matter at this time.Attorney Wade Herring, who represents Moore, told The Advocate that the firing was unlawful and politically driven.It may be a First Amendment issue. It may be a Title VII issue, which protects employment, Herring said. I think it was content-based censorship and politically motivated, and she lost her job.Related: How library workers are defending books, democracy, and queer livesHerring insists Moore followed library policy and simply facilitated community participation. She had a local family and a local child who was enthusiastic about the library and the summer reading program, Herring said. What was she supposed to do, tell the child, No, your book doesnt belong? She was encouraging and supporting a child.GLAAD condemned Moores firing in a statement to The Advocate. No one should lose their job for doing their job, a GLAAD spokesperson said. Librarians and other educators are professionals and public servants who work for every child and family in the community, offering materials that help children learn about themselves, their peers, and the world around them. LaVonnia Moore in costume with others at the Pierce County Public Library.Courtesy LaVonnia MooreThe spokesperson added, The world is a far more interesting and colorful place than book banners ever want to see. Book banners and other opponents of LGBTQ people and equality shouldnt get to censor, dim, or dictate what is available to other families and readers. Libraries should always be a place where everyone in the community can feel safe to explore, learn, and grow.Related: Georgia Senate passes bill banning American Library Association from state librariesMoores firing is not occurring in a vacuum. In recent years, Pierce County and surrounding areas have seen ongoing disputes over LGBTQ+ visibility in libraries. In April 2023, The Blackshear Times published a letter to the editor from a Pierce County resident, raising alarm about LGBTQ+ displays and programs in regional libraries, including Pride book displays and LGBTQ+ youth book clubs.She wrote that many concerned citizens had been lobbying for policies prohibiting displays about sexuality and requiring patrons and staff to use restrooms corresponding to their sex assigned at birth. She claimed the regional board had delayed decisions on such policies while allowing LGBTQ+ visibility in libraries to continue.Concerned citizens, please contact your city officials, county commissioners, and library board members to express your alarm and recommend policy changes, the author urged in her letter. Moore told The Advocate that her library transitioned from the Okefenokee Regional Library System to Three Rivers in the aftermath of recent years far-right-wing political activism.The Alliance for Faith and Family, established in 2023, has campaigned on several issues related to LGBTQ visibility in regional libraries, according to posts on its website. The group has criticized library policies requiring staff to respect individuals gender identities, opposed transgender peoples access to restrooms matching their gender identity, and objected to childrens books featuring LGBTQ+ characters, including those intended for preschoolers. It has also demanded the removal of an LGBTQ-themed mural in the Okefenokee Regional Library System and expressed outrage over LGBTQ+ book clubs for teens, citing concerns about titles such as Gender Queer and All Boys Arent Blue.Moores firing has already exacted a steep personal price. She said her reputation has been damaged, and she now faces the prospect of leaving her hometown of 46 years because no other library jobs are available nearby.Its been overwhelming, Moore said.On June 24, Moore launched a GoFundMe campaign to help cover legal expenses and living costs, writing that she was fired without warning, no meeting, no due diligence, despite following policy and standing by her mission as a librarian. Her fundraiser has raised more than $14,500.That book still exists in the collection because it belongs there. It reflects real families. Real kids. Real love, Moore wrote on her GoFundMe page. Although I did not choose the book myself, I stand ten toes down on this truth: The library is a public space. All community members should feel welcome inside it and have equal access to its resources. LaVonnia Moore represents the PIerce County Public Library at an outdoor event.Courtesy LaVonnia MoorePublic libraries in Georgia operate under a hybrid system in which local counties fund libraries and appoint regional boards of trustees, Herring said.. Library systems are formally connected to the University System of Georgia through the Georgia Public Library Service. The Board of Regents oversees the university system and provides statewide support and resources to libraries.In response to The Advocates inquiries, the University System of Georgia issued a statement clarifying its role.Personnel decisions are the responsibility of the local library system, which is governed by a regional board of trustees, the statement said. That board is appointed by the local government agencies that support the public libraries in the region. Neither the Georgia Public Library Service nor the University System of Georgia has authority over staff working in any public library in the state.Related: It's now illegal for Minnesota libraries to ban LGBTQ+ books under this new lawMoores story is unfolding amid a national wave of book bans and censorship attempts, especially around materials that center LGBTQ characters and themes. Data from Unite Against Book Bans, a coalition led by the American Library Association, shows a record-high number of efforts in recent years to remove books from public libraries and schools. The alliance, comprising more than 200 partner organizations, is working to equip communities nationwide to combat censorship and safeguard the right to read.Free people read freely, the coalition says on its website. Banning books and removing access to information take away choices from everyone. All people deserve to see themselves reflected in a librarys books.The Advocate reached out to Snell, Neal Bennett, chair of the Pierce County Board of Commissioners, and the Georgia Public Library Service for comment about Moores termination, the handling of LGBTQ-themed materials, and the influence of outside groups on public library operations. None responded.Moore told The Advocate if there were any path to return to her job, it would only be for the community she served.Only for the community, she said. For the seniors who come up to me and say, Vonna, that book you gave me was awesome, for the kids who bring me drawings. Libraries are there to bring people together.