Illinois becomes the first state to outlaw book bans in historic move

Illinois has become the first state to make it illegal for libraries to ban books. Gov. J.B. Pritzker (D) signed the landmark bill into law on Monday. It says libraries will lose their funding if they remove books from the shelf based on someone’s personal or partisan disapproval.

“Here in Illinois, we don’t hide from the truth, we embrace it,” said Pritzker in a statement. “Young people shouldn’t be kept from learning about the realities of our world; I want them to become critical thinkers, exposed to ideas that they disagree with, proud of what our nation has overcome, and thoughtful about what comes next.”

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“How dare you make them afraid because you are!”

“Everyone deserves to see themselves reflected in the books they read, the art they see, the history they learn. In Illinois, we are showing the nation what it really looks like to stand up for liberty.”

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The legislation – H.B. 2789 – was proposed by Secretary of State and State Librarian Alexi Giannoulias.

“I initiated this legislation to stand up and fight for libraries, librarians, and the freedom of speech – especially at this perilous time for our democracy,” Giannoulias said. “The concept of banning books contradicts the very essence of what our country stands for. It also defies what education is all about: teaching our children to think for themselves. This landmark legislation is a triumph for our democracy, a win for First Amendment Rights, and a great victory for future generations.”

The American Library Association (ALA) reported 67 attempts to ban books in Illinois in 2022. Under the new law, which takes effect in January, libraries must adopt the ALA’s Bill of Rights, which states “materials should not be proscribed or removed because of partisan or doctrinal disapproval.”

The law also says the State Library can create its own statement against book banning if it so chooses.

In an appearance on ABC News, Pritzker pointed out the hypocrisy of conservatives who claim banning books is a way to keep kids safe.

“The effort is not really to protect children like they say,” he said. “The effort is to marginalize people, to make them feel unwanted and unaccepted in their communities so we wanted to fight back and make sure no one is left out and that their histories are on the shelves.”

He also defended librarians and their right to assess what is and is not appropriate.

“Communities hire the librarians in their libraries. They’re experts at this. All we’re really saying is the libraries need to adopt a standard. There has to be some kind of a standard that they’re living by.”

Mike Ziri, the Director of Public Policy for Equality Illinois, thanked Pritzker and other lawmakers for doing their part to fight book bans, which have disproportionately targeted LGBTQ+ stories.

“According to the American Library Association, the two most challenged books in 2022 were works focused on LGBTQ+ identity,” Ziri said. “But we know access to age-appropriate LGBTQ+ affirming content is critical to the well-being of LGBTQ+ young people.” 

“As we contemplate the positive impact of this new law, we appreciate the grassroots leadership of librarians, trustees, families, and LGBTQ+ youth who are resisting book bans and ensuring that all families, including LGBTQ+ people, are represented in the collections accessible at libraries. H.B. 2789 is therefore consistent with the values of Illinois to advance inclusion, equality, and the freedom to love and be who we are without discrimination.”