- United States
- Ga.
- Letter
Protect libraries' role - Oppose Senate Bill 74
To: Sen. Ossoff, Sen. Warnock
From: A verified voter in Athens, GA
February 26, 2025
I urge you to oppose Senate Bill 74, which seeks to repeal the exemption for libraries and librarians from provisions regarding the distribution of harmful materials to minors. This bill poses a concerning threat to intellectual freedom and access to information. Public libraries play a vital role in providing resources for education, research, and personal enrichment to people of all ages in our communities. Librarians are trained professionals dedicated to curating diverse collections and facilitating the free exchange of ideas. Removing their exemption could lead to unfair criminalization and self-censorship, ultimately depriving minors of valuable educational resources. Existing laws and policies already empower libraries to make reasonable decisions about age-appropriate materials. This bill is an unnecessary overreach that risks undermining our democratic principles of free inquiry and access to knowledge. We should trust librarians' expertise in serving the informational needs of our communities responsibly. Libraries are essential public institutions that foster learning, creativity, and an informed citizenry. I urge you to protect these vital resources by opposing Senate Bill 74 and preserving librarians' ability to provide comprehensive services without undue constraint or criminalization. Our communities deserve unfettered access to the wealth of human knowledge and expression.