WMBCTV: New Law to Limit Bans on Books at Schools and Public Libraries in NJ

Governor Murphy signed a new legislation to limit public libraries and schools from banning books. This comes at a time when the national debate over whether certain books should be banned in public libraries and school curriculum. But could this newly-signed legislation have a different influence on public libraries and school libraries? 

Liz Kennedy, the Director at Roseland Free Public Library says the new law may aid in the pursuit to house books that are inclusive for all community members. 

“This is a public library so it’s a public space and it’s also like a voluntary space where people can come and go as they please,” Liz said. “But we welcome everyone from all walks of life. All ages. And we want our collection to reflect that.”

The Director at the West Caldwell Public Library, Samantha McCoy also says that public libraries are a place for everyone.

“The idea of the public library. It’s the every man’s university, right. So everyone has the opportunity to come into these doors and read and have access to material and access to information,” Samantha said. “The idea is that we want people to have access to read the books that they want to read.”

Although the new law aims to limit book bans, library directors say they don’t want library-goers to feel discouraged if they have concerns about books in library collections.

“This just affirms that we’re already doing what we’re doing, but it kind of gives us something to fall back on if there are any questions or if there are any concerns with our collection,” Liz said. “We have a policy in place that invites that kind of conversation to happen.”

Samatha McCoy added to this sense of openness.

“If someone wants to challenge a book, you need to have a policy,” Samantha said. “You need to have steps on how that gets resolved.” 

While local library employees say the new legislation supports the mission of the public library, they also say it may look different for school libraries and public libraries.

“We’re a public library, so we’re not a school library so there are different standards and different collection development policies that go along with a school library versus a public library,” Samantha said.

Liz also says that collection development in public libraries and schools follow different procedures.

“We take into mind the community and what they need and the schools and what they need and kind of supplement all of that,” Liz said. “But for the schools, they have a lot to contend with… the board, the superintendent, the principal, the students' needs. There’s a lot of different working mechanisms.”

Whether public libraries or school libraries, Samantha says it is important for families to explore the library together.

“Parents should know what their kids are reading,” Samantha said. “Parents should come to the library with their children. Families should come to the library together, right. And watch and see what their children are reading.”