On Thursday, April 27, the Louisiana Senate Education Committee is set to hear SB7. The bill is a classic example of a “solution in search of a problem.”
SB7 is an attempt to impose state control over local library collection development and reconsideration policies and requires all public libraries in the state to offer tiered library cards to their patrons. The state could withhold public funds from libraries that don’t comply. Additionally, the state bond commission would be unable to consider a library’s application to borrow money or to levy a tax that benefits the library for any municipality that doesn’t meet the requirements set by the proposed law.
SB7 alleges that “Many libraries lack adequate policies addressing the access of minors to sexually explicit materials,” which we know is not true – our trusted library staff work hard to ensure that the needs and interests of their communities are met in ways that are safe for all patrons, including the youngest. If passed, SB7 would add costly state oversight to our libraries and potentially violate the First Amendment rights of parents and children in Louisiana.
The law is neither needed nor welcome, and we need your help to stand against it. SB7 will be heard in committee on Thursday. Show up to oppose it if you can, but if you can’t, please write to committee members. These letters do make a difference!
Take Action – Contact your Senator and key Education Committee members today!
Join Louisiana Citizens Against Censorship and Unite Against Book Bans in taking action against this bill.
