MLA Supports the Freedom to Read

• By: admin
• On: 02/02/2022 16:05:07
• In: Executive Director
• Comments: 0

The Maryland Library Association (MLA) stands with the American Library Association (ALA) and the Maryland Association of School Libraries (MASL) in condemning the recent widespread attempts to remove books from schools and libraries, namely, books focusing on the experiences of people from marginalized groups.  We call on the Maryland library community to protect the right to read for all and condemn attempts to remove books from library shelves without due process.

Across the country, access to diverse material is being threatened and in some cases removed without oversight, endangering the right to equal and equitable access to diverse collections, as outlined in the ALA Bill of Rights (1939).  Inaccurately using terms such as “critical race theory" and "pornography," would-be censors are in effect working to suppress books that present an authentic point of view from people of color and LGBTQIA+ people.

Read the full statement HERE.