Carlsbad, NM — Sarah Jones, President of the New Mexico Library Association (NMLA), issued the following statement in response to H.R. 7661:
“H.R. 7661 opens Pandora’s box. When we begin banning or censoring books, we start down a path that threatens the very foundation of intellectual freedom in our country. Today it may be one title; tomorrow it may be another. Before long, we risk emptying our shelves until the only thing remaining is dust — and the loss will belong to all of us.
Books are both windows and mirrors. They allow young readers to see themselves reflected in stories and to look through a window into experiences different from their own. They are often the starting place for important conversations between children, parents, and educators.
Parents absolutely play a vital role in guiding what their own children read. Family involvement in reading choices is both important and appropriate. However, broad censorship measures remove the ability for families to make individualized decisions and instead impose one standard on all students.
School librarians are highly qualified professionals. They follow established internal policies and procedures to select academic content that supports curriculum standards, student development, and diverse learning needs. Their work is thoughtful, research-based, and grounded in professional ethics.
We must support our librarians and our children — not limit them. Restricting access to information does not strengthen education; it weakens it. The New Mexico Library Association stands firmly in support of intellectual freedom, professional library standards, the professional integrity of school librarians, equitable access to information, the protection of free speech and First Amendment principles, and the rights of students to access a wide range of age-appropriate materials.
Our children deserve opportunity, understanding, and the freedom to explore ideas. We urge policymakers to protect those values.”
New Mexico Library Association