On the advent of Banned Books Week (September 22-28), first launched in 1982 in response to a sudden surge in the number of challenges to books in libraries, bookstores, and schools, The New Jersey Association of School Librarians (NJASL) strongly supports the right of children of all ages to read a wide variety of material with differing viewpoints and perspectives. Banned Books Week is a celebration of the freedom to express and seek ideas, even those that some may consider unpopular. It also highlights the harmful effects of censorship.

NJASL has watched, with concern, the growing number of coordinated attempts of censorship and suppression in schools and libraries in New Jersey and across the country. Many of these attacks are targeting materials and programs that address race, racism, sexuality, and gender identity and expression. Censorship denies free access to information and stifles intellectual freedom.

NJASL believes that school librarians and parents/guardians are partners in a child’s journey to becoming a lifelong reader and learner. Respect for and by all parties in pursuit of this goal should be paramount. School Librarians are committed to upholding the highest standards in providing information and resources. We firmly believe that it is our responsibility to provide equitable access to diverse and inclusive material that is representative of social and racial justice and the pursuit of truth School library media specialists are committed to curating material that reflect multiple viewpoints.

NJASL strongly affirms the Library Bill of Rights and the Freedom to Read Statement, first published by the American Library Association in 1953. NJASL respects and recognizes New Jersey’s Law Against Discrimination and the role of school libraries in providing access to books and other materials. Librarians also provide services for the interest, information, education, and enlightenment of all people. They do not exclude materials because of their origin, background, or the views of those contributing to their creation.

Additionally, the NJ legislative bill, known as the ”Freedom to Read Act”, NJ S2421 supports the aims of Banned Books Week as a comprehensive, affirmative bill that would protect the right to read in public libraries and school libraries across New Jersey. This bill has the support of a variety of organizations including the New Jersey Library Association, ACLU NJ, AAPI-NJ, Garden State Equality, New Jersey Education Association, the Sikh Coalition, SweepNJ, New Jersey Principals and Supervisors Association, EveryLibrary, New Jersey Association of School Administrators, Garden State Coalition of Schools, New Jersey School Boards Association, and NJ League of Women Voters.
NJASL reaffirms the commitment of school librarians to provide students materials that allow them to see themselves represented in books, regardless of their gender identity, sexual orientation, race, ethnicity, or religion. NJASL supports the celebration of Banned Books Week as an opportunity for students to learn the value of free access to information and acceptance to a wide range of thoughts and opinions that leads to thoughtful debate and discussion.

For more information about Banned Books Week, visit: https://bannedbooksweek.org/.

About NJASL:
The New Jersey Association of School Librarians (NJASL) is the only statewide organization for School Library Media Specialists in New Jersey. NJASL believes that every student in every New Jersey school deserves to be taught by a State certified full-time School Library Media Specialist supported by a resource-rich school library program. School Library Media Specialists are essential partners in curriculum delivery and college and career readiness. They are leaders in the integration of technology, information and digital literacies, and the professional development for school staff.