In Support of House Bill 119 – The Freedom to Read Act (2025)

The Delaware Library Association and the Friends of Delaware Libraries support House Bill 119, the Freedom to Read Act, as a timely and practical measure to uphold the rights of readers and safeguard free expression in Delaware’s public and school libraries.

HB119 provides a clear, actionable framework for public and school libraries to develop and implement collection development policies that are consistent across the state. It affirms that library materials should not be excluded or removed based solely on the creator’s background or because of political, religious, or ideological objections. By establishing uniform review procedures and limiting who may submit objections to those served by the library, the bill helps ensure a fair and locally grounded process for addressing concerns.

Importantly, the bill protects public and school library workers from retaliation for doing their jobs in accordance with state policy. These protections are essential to maintaining the professional integrity of library services and to ensuring that decisions about materials are made responsibly and without undue pressure.

HB119 does not seek to change the role of libraries. It clarifies how Delaware’s libraries and school systems can meet their responsibilities to the communities they serve while resisting unconstitutional efforts to censor or restrict access to materials based on viewpoint.

The Delaware Library Association and the Friends of Delaware Libraries commend Representative Griffith and the bill’s co-sponsors for bringing forward legislation that takes seriously the need for clear, consistent policy and due process. We urge the General Assembly to pass HB119 as a common-sense step toward protecting the public's right to read, learn, and access ideas without interference.

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