Librarians Secure New Protections Amid Rising Book Ban Crisis

Karen Grant and her colleagues in New Jersey’s Ewing Public Schools are responding to rising calls from parents and conservative activists to remove specific books from library shelves. These books often focus on themes of race, gender, and sexuality. Over the past year, they have updated a policy that governs how the district addresses challenges to books deemed inappropriate.

Despite facing pressures to conform, Grant’s team worries about succumbing to demands for book bans without a solid policy framework. Concurrently, New Jersey lawmakers were drafting a statewide book challenge policy aimed at protecting access to literature and safeguarding librarians from potential legal repercussions.

Democratic Governor Phil Murphy’s recent signing of this measure brought relief to educators like Grant, who is also president of the New Jersey Association of School Librarians. “We hear so many stories of librarians feeling threatened and targeted,” she explained. “This has been an injustice that needs to be rectified.”

As book bans rise nationally, fueled by legislative actions in conservative states, several blue states, including New Jersey, are pushing back. Recent laws in New Jersey, California, Illinois, Maryland, Minnesota, and Washington aim to ensure that access to literature addressing racial and sexual topics remains protected.

Opponents of these books, including conservative organizations, claim they contain harmful content. A recent report by PEN America indicates that the 2023-24 school year saw nearly 10,000 instances of book bans, a figure almost three times higher than the previous year.

Kit Hart, chair of the Carroll County chapter of Moms for Liberty, expressed concerns about the impact of certain books on children. However, advocates for literary access argue that states protecting librarians demonstrate a commitment to the freedom to read. Kasey Meehan of PEN America highlighted the importance of these measures in combatting censorship.

The tension is palpable. While some states are fighting against bans, local communities within these areas continue to advocate for the removal of what they consider inappropriate materials. New Jersey’s new law sets minimum standards for book curation and protects librarians from liability arising from their professional judgments.

New Jersey state Senator Andrew Zwicker, who introduced the legislation, initially underestimated the severity of the book ban trend. His awakening occurred after speaking with a librarian facing harassment for refusing to remove LGBTQ+ themed books. “Lives are in the balance,” Zwicker stated, emphasizing the importance of inclusive literature.

While Democratic lawmakers largely support the “Freedom to Read Act,” opposition exists, particularly from some Republicans who argue for more parental control over book selection. Assemblywoman Dawn Fantasia articulated her concerns, urging for balanced discussions on the appropriateness of certain texts.

The enforcement and consequences of these laws vary state by state. In Illinois, for instance, districts that do not comply may face financial penalties. Conversely, some districts rebel against compliance, fearing the loss of local decision-making authority.

Recent statistics reveal that Florida and Iowa account for a significant portion of banned books. These states have instituted strict measures around what can be deemed age-appropriate reading. Notably, classic literature, including “Roots” by Alex Haley, has been affected by such bans.

Lawmakers in other states, like Arkansas and Tennessee, have pursued legislation targeting books on sexual or racial themes, leading to ongoing legal challenges. In a notable case, a federal judge recently overturned parts of an Arkansas law imposing severe penalties on librarians.

The American Library Association continues to advocate against censorship, emphasizing libraries’ roles in providing diverse literature. Deborah Caldwell-Stone from the association noted that many banned books highlight LGBTQ+ stories, presenting a continued challenge to freedom of access in educational settings.