"Freedom to Read Act"; establishes requirements for library material in public school libraries and public libraries; protects school library staff members and librarians.*

S 2421, the "Freedom to Read Act," requires New Jersey public school and public libraries to adopt policies protecting access to diverse library materials. The bill mandates that school boards establish collection guidelines based on professional librarian judgment, prohibiting removal of materials solely due to disagreement with their content or viewpoint. It defines "censorship" as blocking materials over disagreement with ideas (excluding developmentally inappropriate content) and requires policies to ensure school library staff can curate collections reflecting diverse perspectives. The law aims to shield librarians and school library staff from harassment while maintaining their role in providing equitable access to resources.