State Lawmakers will once again consider a measure that they say will better protect residents from having books and other materials at libraries banned or censured. It would also protect librarians from civil liabilities for their actions.
The Freedom to Read Act was passed by the State Senate last year. But it wasn't taken up in The House.
“We can decide what books we want to check out from the library, and we can decide what our own children read or don’t read. But what we can’t do is decide what everyone else gets to read or what other people’s children get to read or not read,” said Senator McKenney (D-Dist. 30, Warwick). “Reading is a gift, and it is so important that we stay protective of the gift of reading and that when someone wants to take it away, whether by banning books directly or by launching lawsuits attempting to intimidate libraries, schools and librarians because of a book they have on their shelves, we fight.”
But some parents who spoke at last night's hearing say that it should be parents that decide what their young children read. Some parents told the Education Committee that librarians should not have that power.
The Senate Committee is holding the bill- so that they may consider written testimony. It is unclear when Senators will debate the measure.
(Photo by ANA FERNANDEZ/AFP via Getty Images)
Photo: ANA FERNANDEZ / AFP / Getty Images