Press Release  Governor Healey Signs Freedom to Read Law Keeping Book Bans out of Massachusetts Schools and Libraries

Franklin — Governor Maura Healey today signed a new law protecting students' freedom to read and keeping book bans out of Massachusetts schools and public libraries. Signed at the Franklin Public Library, the oldest public library in the United States, the law establishes a fair, transparent process for reviewing library materials while strengthening protections for teachers and librarians.

The legislation ensures families and community members continue to have a voice when they have concerns about library materials, while establishing an open local process for reviewing book decisions. It protects librarians and educators who make library selections in good faith, reinforces local decision-making, and establishes consistent statewide standards so every community follows the same fair process.

“Massachusetts is home to the first public library, public school and university. We have always believed that our communities are stronger when people, especially young people, have access to knowledge and a free exchange of ideas,” said Governor Healey. “This bill is about protecting the freedom to read, to learn, to ask difficult questions and to encounter ideas we might agree or disagree with. It’s also about protecting our teachers and librarians and allowing them to do their jobs. At a time when President Trump is defunding education and trying to censor any ideas he doesn’t agree with, it is more important than ever that states step up to lead. That’s what we’re doing here in Massachusetts."

"Every student deserves the opportunity to discover books that inspire them, challenge them and help them grow," said Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll. "This law protects that opportunity while creating a fair and transparent process for families to raise concerns and ensuring decisions remain in the hands of local communities."

“Books open doors for students to explore new ideas, deepen their understanding of the world and develop the critical thinking skills they need to succeed,” said Education Secretary Steve Zrike. “Our schools should encourage that curiosity and give students access to books that challenge them, inspire them and help them grow as learners. This law affirms that commitment and supports the educators and librarians who make those opportunities possible every day.”

"Students need books that reflect a wide range of perspectives," said Elementary and Secondary Education Commissioner Pedro Martinez. “This legislation equips our fantastic librarians and teachers to continue doing their jobs and to provide students with a wide worldview rather than one that is restricted.”  

The law establishes statewide standards for how public and school libraries select and review library materials. It requires libraries to adopt written policies for selecting materials and reviewing concerns and ensures books cannot be removed because of someone's personal, political or religious views.

“As Republican politicians across the country work to remove books from schools that don’t fit their strict ideological world view, this legislation is representative of the Commonwealth’s commitment to ensuring that our schools remain a place where learning is valued above all else, and where students are exposed to the experiences of people from all walks of life,” said House Speaker Ronald J. Mariano (D-Quincy). “I want to thank Governor Healey for signing these critical protections into law, as well as my colleagues in the House, and our partners in the Senate, for recognizing the need for this important legislation.”

"With the Governor's signature today, we are protecting the values we hold so dear: the freedom to create, to think for oneself, to explore our world through books and art, and pass our American legacy of free expression to our children and grandchildren," said Senate President Karen E. Spilka (D-Ashland). "As our residents' constitutional rights face attacks at every turn from the federal government, this legislation protects the freedom to read a book of one's choice in order to learn and grow, free of political bias. I applaud Senator Cyr and Senator Oliveira for their leadership, all my Senate colleagues for their support, our colleagues in the House, and Governor Healey for signing this critical bill."

"The law signed by Governor Maura Healey today is a vital shield against the alarming rise in attempts to ban books in our schools and public libraries," said Senator Julian Cyr,. "Massachusetts is not immune from politically motivated attempts at book censorship, and threats against librarians have brought real harm to a treasured resource in our communities. With these significant protections now in place, we safeguard everyone's right to intellectual discovery and defend the people who make our libraries and schools such vibrant places of curiosity and possibility. I want to extend my sincerest gratitude to Governor Healey for signing this bill into law; to Senate President Karen Spilka for her unwavering resolve to defend these values; to Senator Jake Oliveira and my House colleagues Rep. John Moran, Rep. Adam Scanlon, and Rep. Sean Garballey for their partnership on this legislation; and especially to the scores of librarians and authors who made this law possible. Today we send a clear message: in Massachusetts, we don't ban books, we champion them."

"Libraries are among the last truly open spaces where every person can discover new ideas, encounter different perspectives, and see themselves reflected in the stories that shape our communities," said Senator Jake Oliveira. "This legislation protects the freedom to read by ensuring that decisions about library collections are guided by professional expertise, not political pressure or personal ideology. At a time when intellectual freedom is increasingly being challenged, Massachusetts is reaffirming that access to knowledge, diverse viewpoints, and free expression are essential to a healthy democracy. I was proud to work alongside Senator Cyr, the Senate President, and our legislative colleagues to advance this important law and ensure that our libraries remain welcoming places for every learner, every family, and every community."

"As the House sponsor of this legislation with Rep. Adam Scanlon, I'm grateful to Speaker Mariano, Chairman Michlewitz, and Chair Garballey for their leadership. I'm proud to stand with Governor Healey, Lt. Governor Driscoll, Senator Cyr, advocates, and colleagues from both sides of the aisle to protect our librarians and ensure every Massachusetts resident can access age-appropriate books and materials,” said Representative John Moran. “Libraries should remain welcoming sanctuaries that enrich lives, foster growth, and protect a core Massachusetts value: freedom of expression.

"I am proud to see the Governor signing into law this legislation protecting free expression and the freedom to read in libraries across Massachusetts,” said Representative Adam Scanlon. “The First Amendment protects the free exchange of ideas, and students do not shed those rights at the schoolhouse gate. Protecting access to a broad range of ideas ensures that our libraries remain places where people can read, learn, and think for themselves.”

"Libraries are an invaluable space for learning, education, and in rural parts of the state, also a crucial hub for our communities," said Senator Paul Mark, Senate Chair of the Joint Committee on Tourism, Arts and Cultural Development. "Protecting the integrity of free speech and expression is an important part of maintaining a thriving democracy. I applaud Governor Healey for her strong recognition of that cornerstone principle of our Commonwealth by signing this bill into law. I am grateful to have had the opportunity to work with my colleagues and stakeholders from all over Massachusetts to quickly move this bill favorably from committee, to the Senate floor and over to our friends in the House, and now to the Governor's desk today."

"Every person and student within the Commonwealth deserves access to a strong and diverse selection of books professionally curated and set by national standards, not dictated by ideology or politics,” said Representative Sean Garballey, House Chair of the Joint Committee on Tourism, Arts and Cultural Development. “By ensuring librarians are protected when performing their duties, the Governor signing today's legislation protects what we pioneered here — the ability to freely access books and information in an ever-expanding world. I want to thank Speaker Mariano, Chair Michlewitz, Chair Domb, Senator Cyr, and the sponsors of the legislation in both chambers for their dedication to passing this milestone bill.”

"This milestone represents the culmination of a journey that began right here in my office on June 14, 2023, with my Legislative Director, Tara Major — a Massachusetts Library Association member — when we took the pioneering step to author the foundational text of this legislation, Bill H.4005, and again as Bill 3591, An Act ensuring freedom to read in the Commonwealth,” said Representative Jim Hawkins. “I advocated staunchly as the bill's sponsor and mobilized the community of Attleboro. We brought dedicated local constituents to join me in testimony. In response to the rising tide of library censorship, we worked closely with Mary Rose Quinn and built a powerful coalition alongside the Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioners (MBLC) and the Massachusetts Library Association (MLA) to architect this protective framework. Seeing our office's early drafts and collaborative efforts transform into the historic legislation Governor Healey is signing is deeply gratifying. We are proud to have helped lay the bricks for this victory for intellectual freedom, and we are thrilled to celebrate its enactment and acknowledge the contributions of Senator Cyr and Representatives Moran, Saunders, and Scanlon.”

"At a time when book challenges and censorship efforts are increasing across the country, Massachusetts is once again standing up for free expression, academic freedom, and the fundamental right to read,” said Representative Aaron Saunders. 

For school libraries, decisions about library materials must continue to be based on educational value and age appropriateness. Challenged materials cannot be removed without a vote of the local school committee, and only current students, parents or guardians, and school staff may request that library materials be reconsidered.

The legislation also protects librarians and school employees from professional discipline or employment consequences for selecting library materials in good faith. It directs the Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioners to develop model policies and resources for public and school libraries and requires annual reporting on challenges to library materials to help ensure transparency and consistency across Massachusetts.

Since taking office, Governor Healey has prioritized investments in education and literacy. She’s doubled education funding, created Literacy Launch and signed landmark literacy legislation to make sure teachers and students have access to the best evidence-based reading materials, launched high dosage early literacy tutoring in schools so that students can receive one-on-one tutoring at no cost, and proposed $100 million for local schools to help them retain the teachers and programs that help students succeed.

Statements of Support

David Leonard, President, Boston Public Library:

"Today's signing of the Freedom to Read Act is a milestone for intellectual freedom in Massachusetts. This legislation affirms what libraries have always known: that free access to books and ideas is fundamental to a healthy democracy. We're grateful to the Legislature and Governor Healey for standing with librarians and library workers across the Commonwealth. The Boston Public Library remains committed to ensuring everyone we serve has the right to explore ideas without restriction."

Jamie Hellen, Town Administrator, Town of Franklin:

"As the nation's first public lending library in the United States, the Franklin Public Library is a perfect setting to celebrate this historic legislative achievement. We are grateful for the Healey-Driscoll Administration, House of Representatives and Senate for their continued support of public libraries in Massachusetts."

Courtney Andree, Executive Director, Massachusetts Center for the Book:

"At a moment when tensions are running high and the federal government is actively working to restrict access to books, it is incredibly reassuring to see Governor Healey and our Massachusetts legislators banding together to protect the freedom to read. This is a huge victory for Massachusetts readers of all ages, and for our library staff, educators, and authors. Mass Center for the Book is thrilled to see this bill make it to the finish line!"

Nora Blake & Will Adamczyk, Massachusetts Library Association:

"This legislation is a win for readers, education, and our robust library system. It reaffirms the Commonwealth's longstanding commitment to freedom of speech and the value of individuals deciding what is best for themselves and their own families. Importantly, this bill does not deter a parent's right to decide what their own child reads. It simply ensures political agendas will not dictate what is available to every child in public schools and libraries. Thank you to the librarians and library workers who have been on the front lines of this issue for years; who in the face of words of hate, harassment, and threats, tirelessly defended our right to read. They testified, developed inclusive policies, and supported each other and patrons who felt attacked. This legislation allows them to do their jobs without fear of retaliation or violence. We thank the legislature, especially Senators Julian Cyr and Jake Oliveira and Representatives Sean Garballey, John Moran, Aaron Saunders and Adam Scanlon."

Matt Bach, President, Massachusetts Teachers Association:

“The MTA has long supported the protection of free expression and access to knowledge in both community libraries and public-school libraries. Book bans are a tool of authoritarians to silence opposition and enforce discriminatory viewpoints. This bill recognizes how libraries are the nerve center of our academic institutions and will hopefully be a step toward ensuring all public-school students have access to well-staffed and well-stocked school libraries.”

Cindy Rowe, President and CEO, Jewish Alliance for Law and Social Action (JALSA):

"We have seen what happens throughout history when anti-free-speech, anti-education, and anti-democratic efforts like banning books are permitted to flourish. Banning books evokes memories of the notorious Nazi book burning campaigns in May 1933 that included authors from Helen Keller to Albert Einstein. Book bans suppress information and corrode our very humanity. They control our exposure to ideas, warping our perception of the world around us. Efforts to combat book banning, like "An Act Regarding Free Expression," are how we stand up to authoritarians who seek to use division as a political tactic to keep us from coming together in a thriving democracy rooted in equity, empathy, and opportunity for all. I'm grateful that Governor Maura Healey and our Legislature have stepped up to protect our freedom to read."

Tanisha M. Sullivan, Chair, MA Black Empowerment Advisory Council and President, NAACP New England:

"The freedom to read is fundamental to a strong democracy, and no child's access to knowledge should be limited by censorship rooted in fear, ideology, or intolerance. This legislation protects the ability of students and communities to encounter diverse histories, perspectives, and lived experiences while ensuring that decisions about library materials are made through fair, transparent, and professional processes. Its enactment is a testament to Massachusetts' commitment to protecting intellectual freedom, public education, and the right of every person to learn."

Cheryl L. Davis, General Counsel, The Authors Guild:

"The Authors Guild applauds the State of Massachusetts for enacting legislation to protect school children's access to books. This bill ensures that determinations about what books are included in school libraries will be made by trained professionals based on the books' age appropriateness and pedagogical value, not by individuals who wish to impose their personal, political or religious views on others' children. The current race to take books that young people want to read out of their hands robs them of knowledge, the ability to empathize with and understand a diversity of voices and to think critically, and even the love of reading. We entreat other States to do right by our students and future society and help prepare them for the multi-faceted, diverse, complex world they will be entering."

Tanya V. Neslusan, Executive Director, MassEquality:

"The signing of An Act Regarding Free Expression marks a monumental victory for students, educators, librarians and the entire LGBTQ+ community in Massachusetts. By codifying clear, professional standards for library materials, this law ensures that our public spaces remain safe, inclusive, and reflective of all families. For MassEquality, this bill is critical to guaranteeing not only that marginalized communities can see themselves reflected on library shelves without fear of erasure, censorship, or political interference, but that librarians, authors, and teachers can rest a little easier by quieting some of the relentless attacks waged against them."

Carol Rose, Executive Director, ACLU of Massachusetts:

"Politically motivated book challenges are dangerous acts of censorship that harm us all. This new law builds a firewall against such cynical acts, protecting students' freedom to read and learn and respecting the expertise of professional educators and librarians. All students should have access to a diverse collection of materials, reflecting a wide range of experiences, identities, and challenges. This promotes free expression and helps our society build tolerance, empathy, and understanding. We thank Governor Healey for signing this law, and we thank the Speaker and Senate President, Sens. Julian Cyr, Jacob Oliveira, and Paul Mark, and Reps. John Moran, Adam Scanlon, and Sean Garballey for championing this issue."

Maria McCauley, President, American Library Association and Director, Cambridge Public Library:

"Today Massachusetts is better prepared to protect the freedom to read. Recent years have seen an alarming increase in efforts to restrict access to library materials across the state. In 2023, the Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioners conducted a survey in which 48.5% of the school librarian respondents reported that they reconsidered displays and books or items featured due to negativity surrounding book challenges. Library workers have faced unprecedented threats and harassment. Intellectual freedom and the right to receive information in libraries are foundations of thriving democracies. This law will safeguard Massachusetts libraries against censorship and create clear guidelines to make sure that everyone can access information in libraries. When people support libraries, everyone benefits. Thank you to everyone who supported this bill and to our expert librarians including our school librarians! Thank you to Massachusetts lawmakers, and especially those who sponsored the bill including: Senators Julian Cyr and Jake Oliveira and Representatives Sean Garballey, John Moran, Aaron Saunders and Adam Scanlon."

Jessica Tang, President, American Federation of Teachers Massachusetts:

"Children must be able to learn in classrooms free of political agendas. Any attempts to restrict the freedom to read stunts our ability to learn and is a serious threat to our communities and democracy. By re-affirming the freedom to read, the Commonwealth ensures no one has the right to limit others' access to knowledge or dictate what others can read. Libraries open us up to new worlds in the pursuit of knowledge and librarians across the Commonwealth will now be able to do their jobs without fear of retaliation or of becoming the target of those seeking to censor the voices or ideas of others."

Zachary Clemente, President, Boston Comic Arts Foundation:

"The Massachusetts comics community welcomes the signing of the Freedom to Read Bill by Governor Maura Healey. The passing of this bill makes the removal of renown and indispensable comics such as Gender Queer by Maia Kobabe, Persepolis by Marjane Satrapi, and Maus by Art Spiegelman from schools and libraries a process that requires concern from the local community. For far too long, targeted bans have been orchestrated by groups looking to enforce a narrow-minded and prejudiced way people should express themselves. The goal of these bans is to deny readers the opportunity to connect with books that reflect multiple perspectives as well as deny cartoonists and writers the outlet of free expression through publication. Massachusetts says: we will read what we damn well please!"

Nina Selvaggio, Executive Director, Greater Boston Parents, Families, and Friends of Lesbians and Gays (PFLAG):

"Greater Boston PFLAG has advocated for S.2726 because our families deserve schools where every child can find themselves in a book — we thank Governor Healey for signing it into law."

Celia Canavan, Executive Director, League of Women Voters of Massachusetts:

"Students using their school libraries and residents using their community libraries must know that they have access to the widest-possible range of information and ideas. No person or group has the right to restrict the access of others to information. Never again will books be banned in the Commonwealth."

Gayatri Patnaik, Director, Beacon Press:

"Governor Healey's signing of the Freedom to Read bill is a victory for readers, authors, educators, librarians, and everyone who believes in the power of ideas. Massachusetts has long been a beacon for intellectual freedom, and today's action reinforces that proud tradition. Beacon Press has been privileged to call Massachusetts home for nearly 175 years. We believe that the open exchange of ideas is fundamental to a healthy democracy, and we publish many of the books that are challenged or banned. This law sends a clear message that the Commonwealth will continue to protect the freedom to read and the people who make that freedom possible. I want to thank Governor Healey, my colleagues at Beacon Press, and the members of the Massachusetts Freedom to Read Coalition for the tireless efforts to ensure that every reader has access to a broad range of ideas and perspectives."

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