Governor Phil Murphy signed a groundbreaking law on Monday prohibiting public and school libraries in New Jersey from banning books and safeguarding librarians from civil or criminal charges for complying with the legislation.
New Jersey joins Illinois and Minnesota as the latest Democrat-led state to enact protections against book censorship, positioning itself in contrast to Republican-led states where book restrictions have proliferated in recent years.
“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,” Murphy said.
The new legislation bars libraries from excluding books based on the origin, background, or views of their authors or content. Books cannot be removed solely because someone finds them offensive, though restrictions may still be applied to “developmentally inappropriate material” for specific age groups.
The law also requires local school boards and public library governing bodies to establish policies for book selection and removal, providing a structured process for addressing concerns about particular materials.
The law comes as book challenges surge across the country. According to the American Library Association, over 4,200 titles were targeted in school and public libraries in 2023, up from nearly 2,600 in 2022. Many of these books center issues that are considered by many inappropriate for children.
Groups like Moms for Liberty argue that parents should have greater control over their children’s access to library materials. In more than 15 states, lawmakers have introduced bills imposing fines or even prison sentences for librarians who provide books deemed inappropriate.
The law will take effect in one year, but the state education commissioner and state librarian are already authorized to begin implementation.
Very sad that mature adults who would ban such content for their own children force others to be exposed to the very same thing.