Phil Murphy Signs NJ Law Shielding Libraries From Book Censorship

New Jersey Democratic Governor Phil Murphy signed the “Freedom to Read Act” into law on Monday, making it illegal for public and school libraries to ban books based on their content or the background of their authors.

The law also shields librarians from civil and criminal liabilities when complying with its provisions.

New Jersey joins Illinois and Minnesota as Democrat-led states enacting bans on book censorship. Murphy signed the bill at Princeton Public Library, emphasizing its contrast to efforts in Republican-controlled states that have recently restricted access to books.

“I’m incredibly proud to have signed it, but also acknowledge that America––and this is yet another good example––is becoming a patchwork quilt country. It really matters where you live,” Murphy said during the signing ceremony.

How Will Books Be Assessed in New Jersey?

Under the law, libraries are prohibited from excluding books due to the origin, background, or views of their authors.

Censorship of books will also be barred based solely on a person’s objection to the material. However, the law allows restrictions for “developmentally inappropriate material” for specific age groups.

School boards and public library officials are now required to create policies governing book curation, removal, and addressing concerns about library materials.

“It’s the antithesis of all these book-banning states that you see,” said Murphy.

Over 4,200 Books Targeted in 2023

The American Library Association (ALA) reported over 4,200 works targeted for censorship in 2023, a significant increase from nearly 2,600 in 2022.

Many of the challenged books in recent years include themes centered on LGBTQ+ issues and race––up to 47 percent, according to their stats.

Books to receive serial complaints are such classics as Harper Lee’s To Kill a Mockingbird, John Steinbeck’s Of Mice and Men, Ernest Hemingway’s For Whom the Bell Tolls and Margaret Atwood’s The Handmaid’s Tale.

Efforts to restrict library materials have grown severe in some states, with proposed legislation introducing penalties ranging from fines to imprisonment for librarians who provide access to books deemed inappropriate.

Lawmakers in more than 15 states have introduced bills imposing such measures in 2024, according to the ALA.

Conservative groups argue that some books are too sexually explicit or controversial for young readers.

Moms for Liberty, a national parental rights organization, has stated that parents should have more control over what their children can access in libraries.

‘A Relief to Readers and Librarians’

Librarians, however, have welcomed New Jersey’s legislation as a necessary step to protect their work and the rights of readers.

Karen Grant, president of the New Jersey Association of School Librarians, praised the bill for recognizing the profession’s integrity and for promoting intellectual freedom.

“The bill will protect the intellectual freedom of students as well as acknowledge that school libraries are centers for voluntary inquiry, fostering students’ growth and development,” Grant said.

Martha Hickson, a retired librarian, described her experiences with harassment during the 2021 school board meeting where parents claimed her collection of books included pedophilic content.

Among the works they targeted were the novel Lawn Boy and the illustrated memoir Gender Queer.

Speaking alongside Murphy, Hickson said the new law offers relief after years of harassment.

“I’m thrilled,” Hickson said. “After more than three years of harassment, this legislation is a relief to readers and librarians.”

The law will take effect in one year, with the state education commissioner and state librarian authorized to begin implementation steps immediately.

This article includes reporting from The Associated Press