The bill amends Section 29-6-1 of the General Laws in Chapter 29-6 entitled "State Aid to Libraries" to reinforce the policies regarding public libraries in the state. It emphasizes that public libraries are essential for democracy, providing cultural, educational, informational, and research needs for citizens. The bill inserts new provisions stating that it is the responsibility of government at all levels to protect the freedom to read and support the right of free people to read freely, and to ensure equitable access to information for all citizens. It also highlights the need for coordination of library resources across various types of libraries to meet the needs of all citizens.

Furthermore, the bill declares that it is the policy of the state to encourage and protect the freedom of public libraries to acquire and deaccession materials without external limitations and to be protected against attempts to ban, remove, censor, or otherwise restrict access to books and other materials. It explicitly prohibits the proscription or removal of materials from public libraries due to partisan or doctrinal disapproval, asserting that libraries should provide a diverse collection to meet the needs of their community and that banning or restricting access to materials based on partisan or doctrinal disapproval is prohibited. The act is set to take effect upon passage.

Statutes affected:
7386: 29-6-1