DELAWARE- In response to a growing national movement to ban books, Delaware lawmakers introduced new legislation to safeguard access to diverse reading materials in public libraries and schools across the state.
House Bill 119, known as the Freedom to Read Act, is sponsored by Rep. Krista Griffith. The legislation would ensure all Delawareans, regardless of age or background, have the right to access books and educational materials, while establishing a transparent process for reviewing content challenges.
“Libraries have always been a place where everyone, regardless of age, background, or belief, can freely explore ideas and access information,” Rep. Griffith said. “Unfortunately, over the past several years, we’ve seen a rise in attempts to remove books and censor content nationally simply because they present perspectives that some may disagree with.”
According to the legislation, the Freedom to Read Act would require Delaware’s public schools and libraries to adopt collection development policies that affirm intellectual freedom and prohibit the removal of books based on ideological, religious, or personal objections to an author’s background or content. Materials under review would remain available to the public during the challenge process.
If a dispute arises over school library materials, it may be appealed to the local education board and ultimately to a new School Library Review Committee. The proposed committee would include leaders from the Delaware Department of Education, state education associations, and the Delaware Library Association.
Public library appeals would go through the Delaware Library Consortium Public Libraries Policy Steering Committee or the Council on Libraries, with the State Librarian making the final decision.
The bill also protects library employees who follow the collection development policies in good faith, shielding them from political or ideological pressure.
Stephanie Ingram, president of the Delaware State Education Association, praised the proposal for its clarity and fairness.
According to PEN America, the 2023-2024 school year saw more than 10,000 book bans nationwide, more than doubling the previous year’s count. Six states—California, Illinois, Maryland, Minnesota, Washington, and New Jersey—have already passed laws to restrict book bans.
State Librarian Dr. Annie Norman noted that Delaware libraries already follow collection development policies. “Books are a safe space, a safe way to learn about the world,” Norman said. “Kids who read succeed!”
House Bill 119 has been assigned to the House Administration Committee for further consideration.