Wyoming Library Director Wins $700,000 Settlement After Firing Over Defense of LGBTQ+ Books

The national debate over the presence of LGBTQ+ books in public libraries has intensified in recent years, drawing attention to the role of librarians as defenders of intellectual freedom and inclusivity. In Wyoming, this conflict reached a pivotal moment when a local library director was fired after standing up for LGBTQ+ materials in the library’s collection. The director, who worked at the Campbell County Public Library System in Gillette, became the subject of controversy after refusing to remove LGBTQ+ books that some community members deemed inappropriate for young readers .

The issue began in 2021, when a group of Campbell County residents objected to several books with LGBTQ+ themes and characters, alleging that these titles were unsuitable for children and teenagers. The challenged books included works by well-known LGBTQ+ authors and covered topics such as gender identity, sexual orientation, and the experiences of transgender people .

The library director, Megan Degenfelder, took a firm stance in favor of retaining the books, citing the core principles of the American Library Association (ALA), which supports the inclusion of diverse perspectives and opposes censorship. Degenfelder’s defense of the materials led to heated county commission meetings, during which she reiterated the importance of providing access to books that reflect the experiences of all community members, including LGBTQ+ youth .

Despite support from library staff and national organizations, Degenfelder was terminated by the library’s board in early 2022, following months of pressure from local activists and elected officials. Her firing sparked outrage among freedom-to-read advocates, who argued that the dismissal represented a clear violation of librarians’ rights to uphold professional ethics .

Following her dismissal, Degenfelder filed a lawsuit against the Campbell County Library Board and the county government, alleging that her termination was retaliatory and violated her First Amendment rights. The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) of Wyoming joined the case, arguing that the firing was a direct response to Degenfelder’s defense of LGBTQ+ books and her commitment to free expression .

After more than two years of legal proceedings, the parties reached a settlement in October 2025. Under the terms of the agreement, Degenfelder will receive $700,000 in compensation. The county also agreed to review its policies regarding material challenges and to provide training on intellectual freedom for library staff and board members .

In a statement, Degenfelder expressed relief at the outcome and emphasized the broader significance of the case: “This settlement is not just about me—it’s about the right of every person to see themselves reflected in their library, and the responsibility of librarians to stand up for intellectual freedom” .

The settlement has been widely praised by library associations, LGBTQ+ advocacy groups, and freedom-of-expression organizations. The American Library Association called the resolution “an important victory for the rights of librarians and the communities they serve,” while the Human Rights Campaign (HRC) noted that such cases have a chilling effect on access to affirming materials for LGBTQ+ youth .

Across the country, book bans and challenges to LGBTQ+ content have become increasingly common, with PEN America documenting a significant uptick in attempts to remove books featuring LGBTQ+ characters or themes from school and public libraries . Advocates argue that restricting access to such books not only undermines the educational mission of libraries but also sends a harmful message to LGBTQ+ youth and their families.

For LGBTQ+ people in Wyoming—a state with a long history of both rugged individualism and social conservatism—the case has become a symbol of the ongoing fight for visibility and inclusion. Local LGBTQ+ organizations, such as Wyoming Equality, have pointed to the settlement as a sign that resistance to censorship can yield meaningful results .

While the settlement marks a significant victory for Degenfelder and her supporters, advocates caution that the larger struggle over LGBTQ+ representation in libraries is far from over. In 2024 alone, hundreds of book challenges were reported nationwide, many targeting books on sexual orientation, gender identity, and the experiences of transgender people .

In response, the ALA and allied organizations have launched new initiatives to educate the public about the value of diverse collections and to support librarians facing similar challenges. Training programs, community dialogues, and legal resources are being expanded to ensure that library workers can uphold their commitment to serving all patrons, regardless of background or identity .

For Degenfelder, the outcome of her case is both a personal vindication and a call to action: “Libraries must remain places where everyone is welcome and every story can be told. I hope my experience will inspire others to stand up for the values that make libraries essential to our democracy” .

The $700,000 settlement awarded to the former Wyoming library director serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of intellectual freedom and LGBTQ+ inclusion in public institutions. As debates over book bans and representation continue across the United States, this case underscores the crucial role of librarians as advocates for diverse voices and the rights of all community members to access affirming and inclusive materials.