DOVER, DE- House Bill 119, introduced Tuesday, aims to safeguard access to diverse books and educational materials in public schools and libraries.
The legislation would require libraries and public schools to establish a clear process for reviewing and addressing challenges to materials, ensuring that books are not removed due to an author’s background or views.
The bill, known as the Freedom to Read Act, is sponsored by Rep. Krista Griffith (D–District 12).
It would require schools and libraries to adopt clear guidelines for curating their collections, with protections in place for educators and librarians who manage them.
Supporters say the legislation is a direct response to a surge in book bans across the country and is meant to prevent similar efforts from taking hold in Delaware.
Dr. Annie Norman, state librarian and director of the Delaware Division of Libraries, said the focus should remain on promoting literacy rather than limiting what students can access.
"It's ironic to me — with low literacy rates nationally — that we're more concerned about what students shouldn't be reading than the fact that maybe students aren't reading at all."
Brian Sylvester, director of the Dover Public Library, said the bill would help ensure that books remain on the shelves and aren't removed simply because someone disagrees with the content.
"We've seen political groups in other states target large numbers of books at once. This legislation prevents that and ensures decisions are made at the local level."
Among the bill’s few Republican co-sponsors is Rep. Timothy Dukes (R–District 40), who said he plans to propose an amendment to ensure local communities maintain control over library and school decisions.
"They really are the life centers of our community. Community as far as information. We think that's important, that, that you have that but we also want people to be protected, especially minors."
The bill also aims to protect library staff, who advocates say have faced growing threats in other states for doing their jobs.
"That's been a concern in other states, where librarians are at risk for simply managing the collections. That just doesn't make sense in a democracy."
House Bill 119 has been assigned to the House Administration Committee for further consideration.