Former swimming star Riley Gaines raises alarm over controversial books at her hometown library sparking heated debate

Former University of Kentucky swimmer and Nashville native Riley Gaines has ignited a heated discussion after criticizing her hometown library for providing books that explore gender identity and inclusive education for children.

Her comments come as Tennessee continues to enforce laws restricting gender transition care for minors, putting public libraries at the center of a national debate over children’s access to educational materials.

Riley Gaines highlights how local library appears to ignore state law and parental concerns

Gaines shared images from the library featuring books aimed at educating young readers and their parents about gender identity and acceptance. She expressed her frustration on social media, arguing that the library is disregarding Tennessee’s law banning public funding for what she called “woke gender ideology.”

"Tennessee banned tax dollars from funding woke gender ideology, but my own county’s library board is ignoring it. These books (and others) were challenged by concerned parents in February, but to no prevail," Gaines wrote, drawing attention to the tension between state policy and local practices.Her post quickly attracted responses from both supporters and critics, reflecting the wider cultural debate over what kind of educational content is appropriate for children in public institutions.

Former athlete calls for action as debate over children’s access to gender identity books intensifies

The library’s collection includes materials intended to teach children and parents about gender identity, acceptance, and inclusivity. Advocates argue these books provide crucial understanding for young people navigating questions about identity, while opponents, like Gaines, view them as conflicting with state law and parental rights."Remove this filth from our libraries," Gaines added, making a direct plea for the removal of these materials and emphasizing the passion and tension surrounding the issue.

Local response remains unclear as the controversy spotlights broader national discussions

Library officials have yet to publicly respond to Gaines’ criticism, leaving uncertainty about whether any changes will be made. As Tennessee implements laws affecting gender identity education, public libraries across the U.S. are increasingly caught in debates over children’s literature, parental rights, and freedom of information.Gaines’ statements highlight the deep divides in public opinion on gender identity topics and underscore the challenges local institutions face in balancing legal obligations, community expectations, and educational access. The Nashville controversy may become a reference point in understanding how libraries navigate sensitive cultural issues in the modern era.Also read: Florida’s coaching search takes an intriguing turn as a surprising high-profile name quietly enters the mix