Georgia librarian fired after displaying children’s book featuring transgender character files federal lawsuit

BLACKSHEAR, Ga. — A former Georgia librarian who lost her job after displaying a children’s book featuring a transgender character has taken her legal battle to federal court.

LaVonnia Moore, who served the Pierce County Public Library for 15 years, filed a federal lawsuit against Pierce County and the Three Rivers Regional Library System.

According to The Atlanta Journal-Constitution, Moore alleges officials unlawfully fired her in June 2025 following complaints about a summer reading display.

The lawsuit accuses the county and library system of violating her civil rights, including protections against discrimination and retaliation.

Moore seeks compensation for lost wages, benefits and emotional distress.

Children’s Book Sparks Controversy at Georgia Library

The dispute began during Georgia’s 2025 summer reading program, which featured the theme “Color Our World.”

Moore invited local families and children to help select colorful books for a community display.

One family chose When Aidan Became a Brother, a children’s picture book by Kyle Lukoff.

The story follows a transgender boy preparing to welcome a new sibling.

However, the display drew criticism from the Alliance for Faith and Family, a local conservative Christian organization.

The group publicly opposed the book’s inclusion and encouraged residents to contact library officials and county commissioners.

Moore maintained that she followed library policies and welcomed community participation.

“I wasn’t going to tell the kid no,” Moore told The Advocate in July 2025.

She said she was happy the child showed enthusiasm for reading and participating in library activities.

Lawsuit Alleges Political Pressure and Discrimination

Moore’s lawsuit alleges Pierce County commissioners pressured library officials to terminate her employment.

According to The Atlanta Journal-Constitution, the complaint claims commissioners threatened to withhold library funding unless officials fired Moore.

The library system subsequently dismissed her June 18, 2025.

Additionally, Moore alleges discrimination based on race, sex and religion.

Her complaint also raises constitutional claims involving free speech, due process and equal protection.

Moore previously filed discrimination charges with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, which later issued a right-to-sue notice.

Meanwhile, county and library system officials have not filed a formal response to the lawsuit, according to the newspaper’s report.

The library system previously declined to discuss the termination, citing legal concerns.

Former Librarian Seeks Justice After 15 Years

Moore says her dismissal caused significant financial and emotional hardship.

She also claims the controversy damaged her professional reputation and made finding comparable employment difficult.

In an interview with Georgia Public Broadcasting, Moore rejected claims that poor job performance prompted her dismissal.

“This was not about poor performance. It was about political pressure,” she said.

Moore has launched a GoFundMe campaign to help cover living expenses and legal costs.

Moore maintains that public libraries should welcome all community members, regardless of their backgrounds.

Case Raises Questions About Intellectual Freedom

Moore’s legal challenge comes amid continuing national disputes over LGBTQ-themed books in public libraries.

The American Civil Liberties Union of Georgia previously highlighted her dismissal as an example of the challenges librarians face when handling controversial materials.

The organization reported that Moore believed she followed library policies when allowing the community-selected book into the display.

However, the lawsuit’s allegations remain unproven, and a federal court has not determined whether officials violated Moore’s rights.

For now, Moore continues seeking compensation and accountability for the dismissal that ended her 15-year library career.