| Freedom to Read Act Signed into Law |
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Freedom to Read Act Signed into Law New Jersey residents have the Freedom to Read thanks to you and your colleagues, our partners and advocates, and everyone who appreciates the work that library staff do for our communities. On December 9, Governor Phil Murphy signed A3446/S2421, preventing arbitrary censorship of library collections, and ensuring that New Jersey residents have access to a broad range of books, movies, music, and other materials in public and schools libraries. The law was developed by, and received bipartisan support from, New Jersey legislators, led by State Senator Andrew Zwicker, along with State Senator Teresa Ruiz and Assemblywoman Michelle Drulis, in collaboration with NJLA, NJASL, and many other New Jersey-based and national organizations. We are grateful for their partnership in supporting the freedom to read and the need to protect library staff members and New Jersey residents from harassment and censorship. This landmark legislation has received statewide, regional, and national coverage, including on NJ.com ("N.J. just struck a blow against banning books"), NJ Spotlight News ("New anti-book ban now law in NJ"), AP News ("New Jersey becomes latest state to prohibit bans on books in school, public libraries"), and WHYY in Philadelphia ("A new law in N.J. limits the banning of books in schools and public libraries"). Thank you for creating and supporting strong, beloved libraries across New Jersey. Legislation like this happens because we value what library staff do each and every day to support our community members. |