Illinois has recently passed a law that will penalize libraries that ban books, marking a significant milestone in the state’s history. The new law, which was signed by Governor J.B. Pritzker in August 2021, will take effect on January 1, 2022. It is the first of its kind in the state and sends a strong message about the importance of intellectual freedom and the right to access information.
The law was introduced in response to a controversy that arose in the Orland Park Public Library in 2018. The library had been criticized for hosting an event featuring a drag queen story hour, which led to calls for the library to ban certain books and materials. The library board ultimately decided not to ban any books, but the incident sparked a larger conversation about censorship and intellectual freedom.
Under the new law, libraries that ban books or other materials will face financial penalties. Specifically, libraries that receive state funding will have their funding reduced by an amount equal to the cost of the banned materials. The law also requires libraries to adopt policies that protect intellectual freedom and ensure that patrons have access to a wide range of materials.
The law has been praised by advocates of intellectual freedom and free speech. The American Library Association (ALA) has called it a “victory for intellectual freedom” and a “model for other states.” The ALA has long been a champion of intellectual freedom and has opposed censorship in all forms.
The new law is also significant because it comes at a time when censorship and book banning are on the rise in the United States. According to the ALA’s Office for Intellectual Freedom, there were 273 reported book challenges in 2020, up from 377 in 2019. The most commonly cited reasons for book challenges were “sexually explicit” content, “offensive language,” and “political viewpoint.”
The Illinois law sends a clear message that censorship is not acceptable and that libraries have a responsibility to provide access to a wide range of materials. It also recognizes the important role that libraries play in promoting intellectual freedom and democracy. As Governor Pritzker said when he signed the law, “Libraries are pillars of our democracy, and they must remain open and accessible to all.”
In conclusion, the new Illinois law to penalize libraries that ban books is a significant step forward for intellectual freedom and the right to access information. It sends a strong message that censorship is not acceptable and that libraries have a responsibility to provide access to a wide range of materials. As other states consider similar legislation, it is important to remember the vital role that libraries play in promoting intellectual freedom and democracy.
