California has made a significant step towards preserving reading freedom by enacting a law known as the California Reading Freedom Act (AB 1825). This law, signed by Governor Gavin Newsom at the end of September 2024, introduces rules that prohibit public libraries from censoring books based on topics, political views, or social values they represent. The aim of the law is to prevent the discrimination of materials that include diverse perspectives, including those related to the LGBTQ+ community, ethnic minorities, and other marginalized groups.

Historical context and reasons for enacting the law

In the last two years, pressure on public libraries across the United States has significantly increased, particularly regarding requests to censor books that address minority identities and experiences. According to data from the American Library Association (ALA), the number of reported attempts to censor library materials rose by 65% between 2022 and 2023, with as much as 47% of those attempts targeting materials depicting the LGBTQ+ community and communities of color. Given these alarming trends, California decided to take legal measures to ensure free access to books that reflect a broad range of experiences and identities.

The role and responsibilities of public libraries

The new law mandates public libraries to develop so-called collection development plans, documents that clearly define the criteria for selecting library materials and allow community participation in deciding library content. The California State Library has emphasized the importance of these plans as they enable libraries to transparently manage the selection process of materials and ensure that collections reflect the diversity of the community they serve. According to State Librarian Greg Lucas, the new law ensures the accountability of libraries to local needs, allowing collections to align with the interests and identities of the population.

Responses and support from the public and organizations

The California Reading Freedom Act has received significant support from human rights organizations, including the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) and the organization Equality California. Representatives from these organizations believe that the law represents an important step towards preserving intellectual freedom and protecting democratic values. ACLU representative Cynthia Valencia stated that restricting access to books not only censors content but also diminishes the life experiences and identities of both authors and readers. Tony Hoang, executive director of Equality California, emphasized that attempts to censor targeted groups further jeopardize their standing in society, while the AB 1825 law provides a space where everyone can access information that reflects their experiences.

The law in the context of national trends

The California Reading Freedom Act comes at a time when books on LGBTQ+ topics, minority groups, and other controversial themes are increasingly targets of censorship in the U.S. States like Texas, Idaho, and Florida have already enacted laws limiting the availability of certain books in school libraries, and in some cases, in public libraries as well. However, California has taken the opposite approach, striving to ensure that all residents, regardless of their identity, have free access to information and literature that reflects their values and experiences.

Challenges and expectations

Despite widespread support, the law has not passed without opposition. Conservative groups argue that the law unnecessarily complicates the management of library collections and fails to consider the concerns of parents who oppose certain contents. Nevertheless, lawmakers in California emphasize that the law ensures that content decisions are made transparently and inclusively, rather than based on the political or religious beliefs of individual groups. The further development of events and the implementation of the law will be important indicators of the success of this legal framework as California continues to develop legal measures to protect the freedom of access to information.