In a significant move toward preserving literary freedom, the state of Illinois is set to enact a new law prohibiting the banning of books, marking a milestone for readers and educators alike. This new policy will come into effect on January 1, 2024, signaling Illinois' commitment to upholding the principles of free expression and access to diverse ideas for all kinds of readers.  

On a press release on June 13, Governor J. B. Pritzker signed a bill outlawing book bans in Illinois. This legislation made Illinois the first to prohibit the banning of books. Governor Pritzker stated that Illinois stands to embrace the truth and not hide from it. The decision comes as a response to growing concerns about censorship and restrictions on certain books in educational institutions and public libraries. 

State Senator Laura Murphy expressed pride in championing the First Amendment rights and opposing partisan or doctrinal book bans, stating that Illinois will not bend to book censorship. The rising attempts to prohibit reading materials prompted Murphy to advocate for House Bill 2789, which Governor Pritzker signed into law on July 12, 2023. This bill safeguards the liberty of libraries to acquire materials without external restrictions.

According to the law, for a library or library system to qualify for state grants, it must either adopt the American Library Association (ALA)'s Library Bill of Rights or create a written statement expressly prohibiting the act of banning books or materials.

READ ALSO: Navigating BookTok: A Guide to Finding Book Recommendations and Joining the Literary Community

The Library Bill of Rights, formulated by the ALA, emphasizes intellectual freedom and opposes any form of censorship. It asserts that materials should not be excluded or removed from libraries based on certain groups' partisan or doctrinal disapproval. In several states, including New York and Pennsylvania, legislators have proposed similar bills mandating that libraries adhere to the ALA Library Bill of Rights, or they could potentially lose specific funding. 

This groundbreaking legislation arises amid a growing banning of books in libraries nationwide. According to the ALA report, there was a significant increase in attempts to prohibit books across the United States. A total of 681 attempts affecting more than 1,600 titles were made in 2021. Seven states, including Tennessee, Oklahoma, Florida, and Utah, had already implemented laws restricting libraries. Before this new legislation, Illinois lacked protections against book bans. Based in Chicago, the ALA reported 67 instances of attempted book bans in Illinois in 2022. 

Illinois has long been recognized for its dedication to fostering an environment that encourages intellectual exploration and open discourse. Lt. Governor Juliana Stratton stated that this law promotes access to materials that celebrate diversity and uniqueness, allowing children and communities to feel represented.

By disallowing the banning of books in the coming year, Illinois is taking a step towards nurturing a community that values the power of literature to broaden minds and bridge understanding.

RELATED ARTICLE: Florida Book Ban: Democrats Call for Governor DeSantis to End Book Censorship