PRINCETON, N.J. — Governor Phil Murphy signed the Freedom to Read Act into law on Monday at the Princeton Public Library, enacting legislation that protects public and school libraries across New Jersey from arbitrary book bans while upholding intellectual freedom.
The law, officially titled A3446/S2421, requires school boards and public library governing bodies to implement policies for curating and reviewing library materials, ensuring any disputes over content are addressed through a standardized process. It bars the exclusion of books based on the origins or views of their authors or content, prohibiting censorship driven by disagreements over ideas, perspectives, or subject matter, unless materials are deemed developmentally inappropriate for specific age groups.
The law would make it harder for librarians and advocacy groups to ‘ban’ books on sensitive topics, age-inappropriate topics and will fulfill the governor’s promise to offer a ‘range array of diversity’ in book offerings at public institutions.
“The Freedom to Read Act cements New Jersey’s role on the forefront of preventing book bans and protecting the intellectual freedom of our educators and students,” Murphy said. “Across the nation, we have seen attempts to suppress and censor the stories and experiences of others. I’m proud to amplify the voices of our past and present, as there is no better way for our children to prepare for the future than to read freely.”
The legislation also provides legal protections for librarians and school staff, shielding them from civil and criminal liability when implementing its provisions. Acting Education Commissioner Kevin Dehmer underscored its importance, noting, “The Freedom to Read Act demonstrates our commitment to the educational excellence that defines our state.”
Advocates of the bill, including Senator Andrew Zwicker and Senate Majority Leader M. Teresa Ruiz, emphasized the role of libraries as spaces for equitable access to diverse ideas. “Public and school libraries have come under attack by a small number of individuals hoping to erase diverse materials from bookshelves,” Zwicker said. “Today, New Jersey stands firmly in defense of the freedom to read and the importance of inclusive educational spaces.”
The law’s passage positions New Jersey as a leader in defending libraries and intellectual freedom amidst a national wave of book bans.