Rhode Island's Freedom to Read bill, which has been signed by Governor McKee on July 2, 2025, gives all Rhode Islanders a reason to celebrate! With the passage of this important piece of legislation, Rhode Island has officially recognized (and protected) the professional judgment of librarians in curating library collections; the rights of creators to write and illustrate books without fear of censors; and, the right of all people to access collections that reflect the true diversity and history of the American people. Importantly, this bill standardizes collection development and reconsideration policies in school and public libraries and limits the ability to raise concerns to people either living in the municipality (public libraries) or a teacher, student or parent in the school community (school libraries), blunting the influence of national groups attempting to ban books. "Rhode Island’s Freedom to Read Act is the first in the nation to guarantee a private right of action against book restrictions to readers and writers impacted by censorship, offering a crucial tool to fight book bans" (PEN America, July 10, 2025)

It is famously challenging to get bills voted into law in Rhode Island. Fortunately, the vast ocean of passionate, tireless, advocates for the Freedom to Read, including Rhode Island lawyers, authors/ illustrators (Rhode Island Authors Against Book Bans), readers, librarians, youth (special shout out to ARISE and Young Voices), educators, religious leaders, and aligned advocates for other causes (like the Womxn Project and the Providence League of Women Voters), working side by side with national supporters, including Penguin Random House, EveryLibrary, and PEN America, joined together and built a swell of voices calling for free expression in our state! When we go together, we truly are stronger. Many thanks to the entire Freedom to Read coalition for the vast number of hours spent ensuring the passage of this bill.

Librarians, advocates, and community members celebrated Rhode Island's Freedom to Read bill on August 12th at 1:00 PM at a ceremonial bill signing with Governor Dan McKee, Representative David Morales, and Senator Mark McKenney. Senator McKenney and Representative Morales were the lead sponsors of this bill and worked tirelessly with advocates to get the Freedom to Read legislation passed in 2025. We owe them both a tremendous debt of gratitude, along with all of our legislators who co-sponsored and supported this important safeguard to our freedom to create, read, and access materials freely in our libraries.

At the 2026 RILA Annual Conference, the Rhode Island Freedom to Read Coalition was recognized with the Meritorious Friends of the Library. The 2026 RILA Awards can be viewed here.

Final Freedom to Read bill that became law in Rhode Island