Legislation: “New Jersey Lawmakers Move to Protect Libraries” (Freedom to Read Act)

From NJ Spotlight News:

New measures intended to safeguard access to diverse books in school and public libraries could soon become law in New Jersey.

A bill, titled the “Freedom to Read Act,” directs local boards of education to adopt policies on curating school library collections and develop criteria for the removal of library materials. Local school boards would be directed not to exclude books from its collection solely because of the origin, background or views of the material, or because an individual finds it offensive.

If it becomes law, it would also make school librarians immune from criminal or civil liability for acting in good faith to follow the provisions in the bill.

The Senate Education committee cleared the bill in a 3-2 vote along party lines after more than two hours of testimony before a packed committee room. Sen. Andrew Zwicker (D-Hunterdon), a co-sponsor of the bill who chaired Monday’s committee meeting, said it could be up for a vote in the full Senate before the end of October. The bill passed the full Assembly in June.

Learn More, Read the Complete Article (about 990 words)

See Also: EveryLibrary Institute Provides “Written Testimony to NJ Senate Education Committee on S.2124 “Freedom to Read” Act” (via EveryLibrary Institute)

Filed under: Libraries, News, Public Libraries, School Libraries