ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. – A proposed bill in New Mexico aims to establish criteria for book banning in public libraries, following a trend of calls for specific books to be removed from library shelves across the country. The bill comes after a hate group in Sandoval County demanded the removal of six LGBTQ books from the Rio Rancho Public Library System, sparking months of protests. Despite the pressure, the library system did not remove any books due to the absence of proper procedure being followed by the protesters. If enacted, the new law would require all libraries to follow a standardized process for book reconsideration, with potential consequences, such as the risk of losing state funding, for non-compliance. The legislation takes inspiration from a similar bill passed in Illinois in 2023, using the American Library Association’s Standards as a guide.
Advocates of the bill, including Kathleen Cates, argue that this standardized process is necessary to ensure transparency and fairness in the vetting of books. Cates emphasizes the importance of libraries having an individual process to determine which books should be included on their shelves and which ones are no longer suitable for public use. The aim is to prevent external pressures, such as those exerted by the hate group in Sandoval County, from influencing book removal decisions.
The bill’s proponents believe that libraries should follow the American Library Association’s Standards, a trusted source in the field, to maintain consistency and uphold the principles of intellectual freedom. By adopting these standards, libraries can ensure that books are evaluated based on objective criteria rather than personal or ideological biases.
Furthermore, the new law would introduce consequences for libraries that deviate from the standardized process. Specifically, libraries that remove books due to external pressures instead of following their established procedures would risk losing state funding. This provision aims to protect libraries from undue influence and safeguard their commitment to providing access to diverse and inclusive literature.
The bill’s framework draws from Illinois’ similar legislation, which has been successfully implemented. By leveraging the experiences and lessons learned from Illinois, New Mexico seeks to establish a precedent for fair and equitable book banning practices in public libraries across the state.
The proposed legislation serves as a response to the increasing efforts by certain groups to dictate the availability of books within public libraries. Critics argue that these demands infringe upon intellectual freedom and limit the public’s right to access information and diverse perspectives. The bill seeks to strike a balance between protecting the public’s interests and preserving libraries as safe spaces for intellectual exploration.
Moving forward, the proposed bill will undergo scrutiny and deliberation by lawmakers in New Mexico. If enacted, this legislation could set a precedent for other states grappling with similar challenges in maintaining the integrity of their library systems while respecting intellectual freedom and ensuring access to a wide range of literature.
