New Mexico Lawmakers Aim to Protect Librarians Amid National Book Ban Trend
In the midst of a national trend towards banning books in libraries, New Mexico lawmakers are taking a stand to protect librarians from pressure to remove certain books. Librarians in the state have expressed concerns about the removal of library books in neighboring states like Texas, prompting efforts to safeguard the freedom of reading and uphold First Amendment rights.
A bill known as the Librarian Protection Act has been introduced in the New Mexico Legislature by Rep. Kathleen Cates in response to attempts to ban books, particularly those with LGBTQ content, from libraries in the City of Rio Rancho. The bill aims to prevent libraries from restricting access to books based on partisan or doctrinal disapproval, ensuring that librarians can continue to fulfill their professional duties without fear of political interference.
As the bill progresses through the legislative process, advocates like librarian Garren Hochstetler and the Freedom to Read New Mexico group are working to build support for the protection of librarians’ rights to curate diverse collections and promote intellectual freedom. With mounting concerns over book bans in libraries nationwide, New Mexico’s efforts to uphold the Right To Read may serve as a model for other states considering similar legislation.
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