TENNESSEE, USA — Book debates are back in the headlines across Tennessee after a letter from the Tennessee secretary of state directed public libraries to review their collections of children’s books.

The directive, sent out on Oct. 27 to 181 public libraries statewide, does not apply to school libraries.

In the letter, Secretary of State Tre Hargett wrote that libraries must ensure federal and state funding “is used in accordance with all laws and not put at risk.” The letter goes on to say, "I cannot allow the actions of one library to potentially harm and impact over 200 libraries across the state."

The letter asks librarians to “take an immediate age appropriateness review of all materials in your juvenile section.”

The letter also asks librarians to provide a final report, includi

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