State Senator accused of threatening libraries

GARRARD COUNTY, Ky. (WTVQ) – A Kentucky State Senator is accused of threatening to pull support from public libraries after his challenger held teacher forums in library meeting spaces.

The Herald-Leader reports Nicholasville Republican Tom Buford thinks it’s unethical for the library to house political events.

Tom Buford says, “Those are your tax dollars. That’s your facility down there. Even if you don’t support her you’re being forced to.”

According to the Herald-Leader, the director of the Garrard County public library said Buford told her he couldn’t continue to support the library if the event took place.

The director said the library wasn’t being partisan; it’s just a community space.

The director of the Jessamine County public library says Buford threatened to support legislation the libraries oppose.

The paper reports Buford says he does not plan to punish the library.