When the Fire Starters Want the Keys
An update on Anderson County libraries — and what comes next
There’s a lot to focus on right now. The so-called “Big Beautiful Bill” passed, and if you’re anything like us, you spent more of the Fourth of July reflecting than celebrating — wondering what it means to live in a country that keeps drifting further from the ideals it claims to stand for.
But while our eyes are pulled to the national headlines, something is happening here at home. And it’s happening fast.
Two names have been put forward to chair the Library Board: Anthony Allen and Shain Vowell.
If you’ve been following the local fight over public libraries, those names will sound familiar — and not for good reasons.
Anthony Allen has been the loud, relentless face of the campaign to censor and control our libraries. Shain Vowell has been the quieter strategist, working the long game behind the scenes. Neither has shown any interest in building up our library system — only in bending it to their political will.
And unless something changes, those are the only two names on the table.
That’s it. That’s who gets the keys.
Unless a commissioner steps up — right now — the future of our public libraries will be handed over to the very people who’ve worked for years to undermine them.
We need to act.
Contact your County Commissioners.
Let them know that it is their duty to nominate someone who will protect public institutions — not tear them down from the inside.
That is not Denise Palmer.
That is not Shain Vowell.
That is not Tim Isbel.
That is not Anthony Allen.
Our institutions matter.
And that includes the quiet ones — the boards and committees that hold the entire system together.
What’s more? Neither of Anderson County’s two elected Democrats — Ebony Capshaw and Steven Verran — serve on the Nominating Committee. Whether by design or by politics, they were left off. And as of now, no one on that committee has shown the courage to defend our libraries.
If no one else will step up, maybe it’s time the commission goes against its usual instincts and nominates someone who will. Capshaw or Verran would be principled, capable choices.
Because this isn’t just about party. It’s about integrity.
And if the current members of the committee won’t lead, then it’s on us to demand better.
When the right views our libraries as a battlefield, the long-game is engrained.
Leadership is about what you protect.
Not just what you pursue.
Up until now, the board held steady in part because of it’s chair who didn’t give in to pressure from the far right. But that person is pursuing what’s next, and will not be seeking a nomination.
Still, the truth remains: what happens now will be shaped by that decision.
We need people in public office who will consistently and unapologetically stand up for our public institutions.
Not just when it’s easy or convenient.
Not just when there’s no backlash.
Because these fights aren’t going away. And neither are the people trying to quietly dismantle the systems that make communities stronger.
We’ve got two chances. That’s it.
Thursday, July 10 at 5:00 PM — Nominating Committee Vote
Room 312, Anderson County Courthouse
Let us know you’re coming here.
Committee Members:
Tyler Mayes (District-1): tmayes@andersoncountytn.gov
Denise Palmer (District-2): dpalmer@andersoncountytn.gov
Joshua Anderson (District-3): joshanderson1984@gmail.com
Tim Isbel (District-4): isbelt@ymail.com
Jerry White (District-5): jwhite@andersoncountytn.gov
Anthony Allen (District-6): aallen@andersoncountytn.gov
Sabra Beauchamp (District-7): sbeauchamp@andersoncountytn.gov
Bob Smallridge (District-8): rjsmal@yahoo.com
Then, when one of these names moves forward:
Monday, July 21 at 6:30 PM — Full Commission Vote
Room 312, Anderson County Courthouse
Let us know you’re coming here.
Wear blue. Show up. Bring someone. Let’s remind them these libraries belong to all of us.
If you've ever thought about running... maybe start now.
You don’t have to be loud. You don’t have to be perfect. You just have to care. About truth. About service. About protecting the things that give people dignity and access and hope.
Local office is where things can fall apart… or where they can hold together.
And all it takes is one decision, one vacancy, one silent vote to tip the balance.
So if your gut’s been telling you it might be time to do something more, trust it. Let’s talk: contact@andersoncountydemocraticparty.com
In the meantime: Be loud. Be present. Be the firewall against the arsonists.
We’ll see you Thursday.
— Anderson County Democrats
