I’m writing this letter on Patriots’ Day, which falls within National Library Week, April 19-25. In honor of both, I am asking Massachusetts to join at least a dozen other states that have passed laws to rein in book bans to ensure that residents can follow their own curiosities and needs to read what they choose, and ensure that librarians are free to offer diverse books within professional guidelines.

In recent years, Massachusetts was the 4th most targeted state for book ban challenges according to the American Library Association. Researchers estimate that almost three-quarters of book ban attacks are nationally coordinated, intended to sow division and further marginalize certain groups. Our state leaders should set statewide policy and not leave it to each library board and school committee to manage these attacks on free speech, local leadership, and democracy.

Our state Senate passed “An Act Regarding Free Expression” (S.2328) last fall, but the parallel House bill (H.3594) appears stalled. The bill would ensure that students have access to age-appropriate materials, that school and municipal librarians not be punished when selecting materials in good faith, that standards are set, and challenges follow a process.

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States from Rhode Island and Connecticut to Oregon and California have already passed such bills. Let’s take this week to appreciate libraries, librarians, and the First Amendment, which patriots have fought for in every generation. Let's press our legislators to pass “An Act Regarding Free Expression."

Rachel Poliner

West Roxbury