In June 2022, state legislators voted to subject educators to jail and fines for what are deemed to be objectionable images in books in school libraries. The secretary of state proposed a new administrative rule that would require state-funded libraries to adopt age-appropriateness policies while facilitating parental challenges. Beyond the specter of censorship, the actions infer that libraries and librarians disregard children’s welfare and expose them to inappropriate materials. Libraries must answer on both fronts.

• The Community Bookshelf installation on the Central Library garage depicts a row of giant books. Seventeen titles have been challenged; banners were affixed to show the impact of banishing them.
• Through online FAQs, print materials, and social media, KCPL led a call to action during a public comment period on the secretary of state’s proposal.
• KCPL engaged Philadelphia’s library in a “tackle censorship together” promotion before the Chiefs-Eagles Super Bowl. It featured a special website, lively social media.

The Community Bookshelf statement and other KCPL initiatives, including a public discussion of book-banning trends by a panel of area librarians, drew coverage by TV affiliates including CBS’ KCTV5, radio stations including NPR’s KCUR, and The Kansas City Star and other publications. The Star editorialized against the secretary of state’s proposal, and KCPL’s call to action played a role in arousing more than 16,000 comments – opposition outweighing support, a spokesman said. The secretary of state made some revisions.