Add your state or national organization, and a member of the steering committee will be in touch to coordinate the next steps.
The Honorable Members of the Connecticut House and Senate
Connecticut General Assembly
State Capitol
Hartford, CT 06106
RE: Coalition Support for SB1271 – Protecting the Freedom to Read and Connecticut’s Libraries
The undersigned organizations, representing a broad coalition of advocates for education, libraries, labor rights, First Amendment and free expression protections, and civil and human rights, urge you to pass SB1271. This bill is an essential step toward ensuring that Connecticut remains a state where the freedom to read is respected, libraries are supported, and library workers are protected.
SB1271 upholds three core principles:
- The Freedom to Read is Core to Learning and Self-Expression: Connecticut must protect access to books, ideas, and diverse perspectives in both school and public libraries. The ability to read freely and explore knowledge is essential for education, self-expression, and a thriving culture of literacy and learning.
-
Libraries are Places that Require Institutional Support: School libraries play a unique and essential role in K-12 education, fostering curiosity, critical thinking, and independent learning. Public libraries serve as community hubs, providing equitable access to resources for all residents. SB1271 ensures that both school and public libraries continue to fulfill these vital functions.
- A Concern for the Dignity of Work Compels Us to Protect Librarians and Library Staff: No librarian or library staff member should fear harassment or unwarranted prosecution for performing their professional duties. SB1271 establishes crucial legal protections to safeguard Connecticut’s library workforce from targeted attacks that threaten their ability to serve the public in good faith.
We commend Senator Bob Duff and Senator Ceci Maher for their leadership in championing SB1271, and we urge every member of the Connecticut General Assembly to vote YES in support of this bill. Protecting the freedom to read, the integrity of our libraries, and the dignity of Connecticut’s library workforce is a responsibility we all share.
We stand ready to work alongside you in advancing SB1271 this session to ensure that Connecticut remains a national leader in literacy, education, and public access to knowledge.
Sincerely,
Connecticut Association of School Librarians (CASL)
Connecticut Library Association (CLA)
EveryLibrary
[Additional Signatories]