Illinois’ new anti-book ban legislation is an initiative of Secretary of State and State Librarian Alexi Giannoulias, who was sworn into office as the state’s 38th Secretary of State in January 2023.
Secretary Giannoulias drafted the law amid coordinated efforts nationwide to ban books from library shelves and measures by extremist groups – including the far-right nationalist group, the Proud Boys – to target libraries, harass librarians, and divide communities in Illinois. The bill is intended to protect the freedom of speech by fighting against book censorship and support public and school libraries by withholding state grants from libraries that remove books.
The concept of banning books contradicts the very essence of what our country stands for. It also defies what education is all about: teaching our nation’s children to think for themselves. When books are banned, everyone is at risk from the harm that ignorance brings. Secretary Giannoulias’ first-in-the-nation legislation establishes a clear path, opposite and away from the dangerous trend of banning and censoring books. It aims to unify communities and seeks to restore a right that many Americans may have grown to take for granted: the freedom to think for themselves.
This landmark legislation is inspired by Secretary Giannoulias’ childhood memories of visiting his local library in Chicago and being taught by librarians how to research information and navigate the vast resources available in the library, find books, and truly love learning. It is also inspired by his service on the Chicago Public Library’s Board of Directors, where he saw first-hand how indispensable libraries are to communities and how librarians offer individual children attention and inspiration to unlock their imaginations and potential.
As State Librarian, Secretary Giannoulias is a staunch supporter of libraries and librarians, who have found themselves on the frontlines of culture wars. He is also dedicated to improving the public’s access to the vital services libraries provide and ensuring libraries have the resources they need to continue providing the tools and knowledge that open doors for learning and opportunity. Public Act 103-0100, which was signed into law by Governor J.B. Pritzker on June 12, 2023, is a triumph for democracy, a win for First Amendment rights, and a great victory for generations to come.
As of this morning, libraries throughout the state of Missouri will have to operate under a new set of rules if they wish to receive funding.
A controversial administrative rule from Missouri Secretary of State Jay Ashcroft's office takes effect Tuesday.
The rule requires a new policy that bans libraries from buying materials deemed obscene and from having certain displays and events in children's areas.
The secretary of state's office proposed the change in October 2022. Ashcroft says the rule protects minors from non-age-appropriate materials.
Libraries are now also required to allow parents to challenge a library’s age-appropriate designation for any material. The results of any dispute or challenge must now be published on the library’s website.
Some librarians have criticized the regulations. Rules in most libraries allow community members to challenge material, and it is already illegal to give books deemed obscene to minors.
By tying library funding into the new policy, some libraries said that the measure would take choice away from families and instead gives more control to the state before it was put into place.
The rule requires a new policy that bans libraries from buying materials deemed obscene and from having certain displays and events in children's areas.
The secretary of state's office proposed the change in October 2022. Ashcroft says the rule protects minors from non-age-appropriate materials.
Libraries are now also required to allow parents to challenge a library’s age-appropriate designation for any material. The results of any dispute or challenge must now be published on the library’s website.
Some librarians have criticized the regulations. Rules in most libraries allow community members to challenge material, and it is already illegal to give books deemed obscene to minors.
By tying library funding into the new policy, some libraries said that the measure would take choice away from families and instead gives more control to the state before it was put into place.
- Dennis Evans, KMBC News (May 30, 2023)