Governor Phil Murphy of New Jersey signed legislation on December 9, 2024, protecting public and school libraries from book bans. This law, enacted at Princeton's public library, makes New Jersey the latest Democrat-led state to counter the recent trend of book removals seen in Republican-governed states. The legislation aims to safeguard intellectual freedom and access to information by preventing the exclusion of books based on origin, background, viewpoints, or potential offense. While allowing for age-appropriate restrictions on “developmentally inappropriate material,” the law mandates that libraries establish clear policies for book curation and removal, including a process for addressing concerns about specific titles.

New Jersey Gov. Phil Murphy at the Princeton Public Library on Monday, Dec. 9, 2024, signs legislation aimed at barring public libraries and schools from banning books. (AP)

Governor Murphy highlighted the growing divide in the United States regarding access to information, emphasizing the significance of this law in contrast to states implementing book bans. The legislation addresses concerns raised by conservative parents and groups like Moms for Liberty, who advocate for greater parental control over children's reading materials. Librarians have applauded the new law, viewing it as a recognition of their professional expertise and a reinforcement of libraries' role as vital information hubs. Karen Grant, president of the New Jersey Association of School Librarians, believes the bill safeguards students' intellectual freedom and supports libraries as centers for voluntary inquiry.

New Jersey Gov. Phil Murphy speaks at Princeton Public Library before signing legislation aimed at prohibiting school and public libraries from banning books in the state on Monday, Dec. 9, 2024. (AP)

Retired librarian Martha Hickson, who faced accusations of providing inappropriate materials, celebrated the law as a victory after enduring years of harassment. She shared her experience of being targeted for having books like "Lawn Boy" by Jonathan Evison and "Gender Queer: A Memoir" by Maia Kobabe in her collection. The new law provides protections for librarians like Hickson against such accusations. While the law takes effect in a year, the state education commissioner and state librarian can begin implementation preparations. This legislation marks a significant step in the ongoing debate about censorship and intellectual freedom in libraries.

Retired librarian Martha Hickson speaks at Princeton Public Library on Monday, Dec. 9, 2024, where Gov. Phil Murphy was set to sign a bill aimed at prohibiting bans on books in schools and public libraries. (AP)