California Bill Would Restrict Libraries From Removing Content Deemed Inappropriate

The legislation would prevent public libraries from excluding books based on sexual content unless it qualifies as obscene.

A group of residents raise awareness of what they say are inappropriate books in the children’s section of libraries in Huntington Beach, Calif., on April 16, 2024. Courtesy of Patricia Pappas

A California bill would prohibit libraries from banning, limiting access to, or removing books they deem inappropriate.

Assembly Bill 1825 would prohibit a governing board or body of any public library that receives state funding from making materials unavailable based on subject matter such as sexual content, gender identity, sexual orientation, religion, and political affiliation, among other content. It states everyone has the right to access library materials regardless of age or other personal characteristics.