1. United States
2. Texas
3. Letter

Libraries and librarians play a vital role in promoting literacy, education, and intellectual freedom within our communities. However, recent legislative efforts threaten to undermine their ability to serve the public effectively. We must stand firm in defending these invaluable institutions and the dedicated professionals who maintain them. The proposed legislation would grant broad authority to censor library materials deemed objectionable by a small group of individuals, effectively imposing their personal beliefs on an entire community. This not only violates the principles of intellectual freedom but also deprives citizens of access to diverse perspectives and resources essential for informed decision-making. Furthermore, the vague and subjective language used in defining objectionable content opens the door to discriminatory targeting of materials addressing topics such as racial justice, LGBTQ+ issues, or controversial political viewpoints. This chilling effect on free speech and open discourse is antithetical to the values of a democratic society. Libraries have always been bastions of knowledge and safe spaces for exploration and self-discovery. They play a crucial role in fostering critical thinking, empathy, and understanding – qualities that strengthen the fabric of our communities. Stripping them of their ability to curate diverse collections and provide impartial access to information would be a grave disservice to the public. We urge you to reject any legislation that infringes upon the rights of libraries and librarians to fulfill their essential missions. Instead, we implore you to champion policies that protect these institutions, safeguard intellectual freedom, and uphold the democratic principles upon which our society is built.