Legislators, librarians and authors urge Massachusetts bill to protect the ‘right to read’ and shield staff from retaliation

State legislators, library directors, authors and civil‑rights groups told a legislative hearing that Massachusetts needs a law to protect readers and librarians from coordinated book‑challenge campaigns.

At a June hearing convened by Representative Sean Garberly, House chair, and Senator Paul Mark, Senate chair, proponents asked the Joint Committee on Tourism, Arts and Cultural Development to report favorably on bills filed this session, including House Bill 3594 and Senate Bill 2328, described by sponsors as “an act regarding free expression.”

Supporters said the bills would do three things: preserve access to a wide range of materials by requiring clear, educationally grounded selection and reconsideration policies; keep materials available while challenges are considered; and protect librarians and school staff from termination, licensing discipline or other retaliation for carrying out professional duties under adopted policy.

"This bill does three key things," said Senator Julian Cyr, introducing the legislation and testifying from the South Yarmouth Library. "It prevents book bans. It requires school and public libraries to maintain transparent, educationally grounded…