KUAR | By Tess Vrbin / Arkansas Advocate

Former Arkansas state senator Jason Rapert, a Conway Republican who founded the National Association of Christian Lawmakers, is one of the newest members of the Arkansas State Library Board at a time when children’s access to library materials is a subject of statewide debate.

Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders announced a range of appointments to state boards Monday. Rapert replaces Joan O’Neal of Greenbrier, whose term on the library board expired last year. Sanders also appointed Shari Bales of Hot Springs to the board, replacing Donna McDonald of Charleston, whose term expired in October.

Rapert’s term will last until Oct. 18, 2029, and Bales’ term will last until a year later.

Arkansas governor appoints two conservatives to state library board amid lawsuit, content debate