Posted on Apr 23, 2023
Missouri librarian calls on libraries ‘to make a stand’ against censorship
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Missouri’s public libraries got some good news this week. Yet, even as a Senate committee moved to restore all $4.5 million in funding for the state’s 160 local public libraries, librarians like Joe Kohlburn, of the Missouri Library Association, say that many of his colleagues remain fearful.
“I would say it’s tentative relief,” Kohlburn said Friday, reacting to the news of the budget’s restoration. “Unfortunately, I think the Missouri government is sending librarians a very specific message.”
That message has come in the form of new restrictions and criminal penalties for public libraries. In August, a new state law went into effect that outlaws school libraries offering books with sexually explicit images. Librarians and other school officials can face up to a year in jail or a $2,000 fine for violating the policy.
In response, librarians and free speech activists argued the law’s definition of sexually explicit content is unconstitutionally vague and will put librarians at risk for legal responsibilities. In February, the ACLU of Missouri sued to overturn the law on behalf of two library organizations, including the Missouri Library Association.
“I would say it’s tentative relief,” Kohlburn said Friday, reacting to the news of the budget’s restoration. “Unfortunately, I think the Missouri government is sending librarians a very specific message.”
That message has come in the form of new restrictions and criminal penalties for public libraries. In August, a new state law went into effect that outlaws school libraries offering books with sexually explicit images. Librarians and other school officials can face up to a year in jail or a $2,000 fine for violating the policy.
In response, librarians and free speech activists argued the law’s definition of sexually explicit content is unconstitutionally vague and will put librarians at risk for legal responsibilities. In February, the ACLU of Missouri sued to overturn the law on behalf of two library organizations, including the Missouri Library Association.
Missouri librarian calls on libraries ‘to make a stand’ against censorship
Posted from news.stlpublicradio.org
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PO1 William "Chip" Nagel good day Brother William, always informational and of the most interesting. Thanks for sharing, have a blessed day!
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PO1 William "Chip" Nagel
..."Meanwhile, the drama over the state’s library funding isn’t over. Although the Senate committee has returned the funding to its proposed budget, the budget could still be adjusted before the end of the legislative session.
Between the new state law, and efforts to end funding for libraries, the wave of efforts from Missouri’s Republican-controlled legislature to restrict public libraries has thrown the future of these institutions into doubt, noted Kohlburn. In addition to working as an academic librarian at Jefferson College, Kohlburn teaches future librarians studying at the University of Missouri.
He said many librarians, both current and in training, are afraid they may face criminal charges or accusations that they are sexually “grooming” children. He also believes that more librarians need to oppose the political efforts seeking to change how libraries function.
“It places an undue emotional burden on librarians. On top of having to do their job … they have to worry about going to jail for a year,” he said. “We are forced into this position by some folks in Jefferson City, trying to use libraries is a political football. There may be consequences, but I think librarians have to make this stand.”
..."Meanwhile, the drama over the state’s library funding isn’t over. Although the Senate committee has returned the funding to its proposed budget, the budget could still be adjusted before the end of the legislative session.
Between the new state law, and efforts to end funding for libraries, the wave of efforts from Missouri’s Republican-controlled legislature to restrict public libraries has thrown the future of these institutions into doubt, noted Kohlburn. In addition to working as an academic librarian at Jefferson College, Kohlburn teaches future librarians studying at the University of Missouri.
He said many librarians, both current and in training, are afraid they may face criminal charges or accusations that they are sexually “grooming” children. He also believes that more librarians need to oppose the political efforts seeking to change how libraries function.
“It places an undue emotional burden on librarians. On top of having to do their job … they have to worry about going to jail for a year,” he said. “We are forced into this position by some folks in Jefferson City, trying to use libraries is a political football. There may be consequences, but I think librarians have to make this stand.”
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