Connecticut Bill is Essential to Safeguard Reading in Public and School Libraries

A broad-based coalition of library, education, civil liberties, and civil rights organizations has come together to support Senate Bill 1271 (SB 1271), an Act Concerning School and Public Libraries (2025). 

SB 1271 is designed to strengthen and advance the opportunity for readers in public libraries and school libraries to get the books they wish to read and for library professionals to do their work without fear of harassment. The coalition, led by the Connecticut Association of School Librarians Association (CASL) and the Connecticut Library Association (CLA), endorses the Act and calls for its swift passage. 

SB1271 would set new guidelines to ensure that both school and public libraries have clear, standardized policies for handling library materials, displays, and programs, with a focus on inclusivity, free expression, and a structured process for reviewing and reconsidering challenged materials. SB1271 starts an important conversation in Connecticut about safeguarding the freedom to read. While other states are banning and censoring books, Connecticut deserves legislation that supports reading and ensures that public and school libraries do not exclude books based on the origin, background, or views of the material or its authors - or simply because one person finds a book offensive. 

The Senate Committee on Children hearing provided an opportunity for residents, advocates, and stakeholders to voice their support, concerns, and recommendations on the bill. At the hearing, Jenny Lussier, CASL President, said, “We believe this bill supports individual family choices by ensuring that school libraries are neutral and inclusive. Parental rights and students’ well-being are supported and affirmed by this bill.” Scott Jarzombek, CLA President, said, “What we seek - and what this bill provides - is a clear and rational way to hear honest concerns from parents.”

“We appreciate Senators Duff and Maher for their leadership in the legislature on this important civil liberties, education, and civil rights issue,” says Lussier. “We urge the legislature to prioritize passing this legislation early this session.” For more information on Senate Bill 1271 and the next steps in the legislative process, please visit https://www.saveschoollibrarians.org/caslfreedomtoread2025. 

Contact:
Jenny Lussier
President, Connecticut Association of
School Librarians Association (CASL)
[email protected]