California Advocacy: Fighting Book Banning
Bills supported by LWVC include AB 25, the California Freedom to Read Act. This bill would prohibit public libraries from banning books or other materials based on topic or content. It would require public libraries to develop written policies on the selection and use of library materials, including a process for community members to challenge the materials. The bill’s findings highlight how removing and banning books from public libraries erode freedom of expression and the right to receive information under the First Amendment, a right established by numerous Supreme Court decisions.