1. United States
2. N.D.
3. Letter

The recent bill passed by the North Dakota House to hide certain library materials from minors raises concerns about censorship and free speech. Libraries should remain places where individuals can freely access information, resources, and diverse perspectives without undue restrictions. Censoring content based on subjective standards of offensiveness undermines the principles of intellectual freedom and the rights of parents to make informed decisions about what reading materials are appropriate for their children. This legislation imposes a heavy financial burden on libraries to physically segregate materials deemed "offensive," creating logistical challenges and potential legal risks. It also empowers individuals to initiate content reviews based on personal views, opening the door to censorship driven by ideological or political agendas rather than legitimate concerns for age-appropriateness. Instead of legislating censorship, the focus should be on empowering parents to guide their children's reading choices according to their own values and beliefs. Libraries can provide resources to help parents make informed decisions, while maintaining a commitment to intellectual freedom and access to information for all ages. Preserving libraries as open spaces for free inquiry and exploration is crucial for fostering an informed, educated, and tolerant society. I urge you to uphold these principles by opposing measures that enable censorship and undermine the vital role of libraries in our communities.