TRENTON, N.J. — The Senate Education Committee advanced a bill on Monday aimed at protecting the right to access diverse library materials and shielding librarians from harassment linked to book ban efforts. The legislation, titled the “Freedom to Read Act,” is sponsored by Senator Andrew Zwicker and Senate Majority Leader M. Teresa Ruiz.
In recent years, public and school libraries have faced attempts to remove books that focus on topics like race and LGBTQ+ issues. “A library is a place of voluntary inquiry and provides equitable access to learning resources,” said Zwicker (D-Hunterdon/Mercer/Middlesex/Somerset).
The bill, S-2421, would require school districts and public libraries to adopt policies ensuring that material is not excluded based on origin, viewpoint, or content found objectionable by some individuals. The policy would be developed in consultation with the Commissioner of Education, the State Librarian, and the New Jersey Association of School Librarians (NJASL).
The legislation also seeks to protect library employees from civil or criminal lawsuits for actions performed in compliance with state laws. “Our libraries are a sacred community resource,” said Ruiz (D-Essex/Hudson). “We must protect these critical institutions and the librarians who provide information that is instrumental in shaping young minds.”
The bill advanced by a 3-2 vote in the committee.
