DOTHAN, Ala. (WDNews) — The Dothan Houston County Library System is asking residents and members of Congress to support federal legislation that would allow the library to resume processing passport applications.
Earlier this month, DHCLS suspended passport services at its Main, Westgate and Ashford locations following a directive from the U.S. State Department. The order prohibits nonprofit-structured public libraries from serving as passport acceptance facilities under its interpretation of the 1920 Passport Act.
Library officials said the change impacts several dozen libraries nationwide, including DHCLS.
For eight years, the library system processed passport applications, offering evening and weekend hours for working families. In fiscal year 2025, DHCLS handled 1,808 passport applications.
“Overnight, our community has lost access to nearly a dozen trained passport agents working out of three convenient facilities,” said Chris Warren, director of DHCLS. “The passport application process can be complex and confusing, and we received consistent praise for how thorough, knowledgeable, and helpful our staff were. This is a tremendous loss to our community for a variety of reasons.”
Officials said passport services generated about $99,000 annually. Those funds supported early literacy programs, summer reading, book and ebook purchases, and programs for teens, seniors and families.
According to DHCLS, public libraries in Alabama receive an average of $32.09 per capita from all revenue sources. DHCLS receives $16.32 per capita, including $11.34 per capita in local government support.
Pending bipartisan legislation — the Community Passport Services Access Act — would amend federal law to allow nonprofit public libraries to resume passport services. Library leaders are encouraging residents to contact Alabama’s congressional delegation in support of the bill.
“In an urgent situation like this, phone calls are especially effective,” Warren said. “When a critical mass of constituents expresses concern about an issue or support for a specific bill, that’s difficult for lawmakers to ignore. We’re asking for our community’s help to ensure that this vital service remains accessible in the Wiregrass.”
More information about the proposed legislation is available on the library system’s social media pages.
