[SCLA] Update About the Freedom to Read Act

[Kerri Souto]

Colleagues:

I'm writing to make you aware that NYLA is encouraging library advocates to reach out to their assemblymembers and remind them of the importance of the Freedom to Read Act, which would require the commissioner of education to develop policies to ensure that school libraries and school library staff are empowered to curate and develop collections that provide students with access to the widest array of developmentally appropriate materials available.

The Freedom to Read Act (S8630C/A9537B)<https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2025/S8630/amendment/C> recently passed the NYS Senate and is currently being considered by the Assembly as our legislators work to act on a variety of policy priorities before session ends this week.

While this legislation applies only to school libraries, the fact is that libraries across our state face outside efforts to censor materials and programming deemed objectionable based on subjective personal sensibilities and partisan ideologies, and this legislation will empower school library professionals to utilize their expertise and ensure students can access developmentally appropriate materials that represent a variety of interests and is a necessary protection for libraries in New York.

Find Your Assemblymember<https://nyassembly.gov/mem/search/>

Best,
Kerri


Kerri Ann Souto (she/her/hers)
Government and Community Relations Coordinator
Suffolk Cooperative Library System
627 N. Sunrise Service Road
Bellport, NY 11713
631-286-1600 Ext. 1333

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