Rhode Island Passes 'Freedom To Read Act'

Rhode Island passed legislation encouraging library selections that provide a wide range of viewpoints and prohibiting the censorship of library materials.

Gov. Dan McKee signed the Freedom to Read Act on Tuesday.

"Public libraries are places where you can find yourself in other people’s words," McKee said in a media release.

"The differing experiences and world views captured in books are as varied and interesting as every individual who is browsing the shelves,” McKee said. “In Rhode Island, we promote free expression. We don’t restrict it. And in Rhode Island, we see censorship for what it is: a way to limit what we can learn about the world—and about each other.”

The new law mandates the creation of a model policy for materials in public and school libraries, and it offers library staff members protection from civil and criminal liability for following that model policy in good faith, according to the release.

"The passage of the Freedom to Read Act is a powerful victory for democracy, education, and the fundamental right to access knowledge,” Representative David Morales, one of the bill's sponsors, said in the release.

“After years of advocacy from librarians, educators, parents, students, and community leaders, we’ve made it clear that no one should be able to censor books or intimidate those who share them," said Morales, D-Providence. "This law protects the freedom to explore, learn, and grow. Most of all, this ensures our libraries remain inclusive spaces for all. This is more than policy; it’s a promise to future generations that their right to read, to learn, and to be seen will not be determined by fear or political agendas. It’s a promise that our stories matter.”

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