Governor Phil Murphy Monday signed into law A3446/S2421, known as the Freedom to Read Act, which prevents arbitrary book banning and protects the rights of students, parents, and communities to have free access to age-appropriate books and learning materials at schools and public libraries. The Governor signed the bill at the Princeton Public Library, joined by advocates for intellectual freedom and the bill’s legislative sponsors. “The Freedom to Read Act cements New Jersey’s role on the forefront of preventing book bans and protecting the intellectual freedom of our educators and students. Across the nation, we have seen attempts to suppress and censor the stories and experiences of others. I’m proud to amplify the voices of our past and present, as there is no better way for our children to prepare for the future than to read freely,” said Governor Murphy. Princeton Public Library represented a perfect site for the event as education remains a key component of life there. A personal dream involves leaders in Trenton not only understanding the importance of reading but implementing programs that enhance a love for opening books. In 2023, 11-percent of elementary students and 10-percent of middle school students in the Trenton Public School District tested at or above proficient for reading. Essentially, books are not flying off the shelves at school libraries or the Trenton Free Public Library. So, while supporters celebrated passsge of the Freedom to Read Act, an underlying concern, at least in Trenton, involves whether or not students will enjoy this wonderful freedom. “Part of our responsibility as educators and education policymakers is to empower students by providing access to diverse ideas, knowledge, and perspectives,” said Acting Education Commissioner Kevin Dehmer. “The Freedom to Read Act demonstrates our commitment to the educational excellence that defines our state. Through this legislation, we are protecting the integrity of our libraries that are curated by dedicated professionals and making those resources available to help every student to grow as a critical thinker.” “The Freedom to Read Act exemplifies New Jersey’s commitment to providing residents with access to high quality library materials, while also acknowledging that the needs of local communities and schools differ. With this Act, New Jersey has assured that local interests guide the development of local collections based on local needs,” said Jennifer R. Nelson, New Jersey State Librarian. The new legislation requires local school boards and governing bodies of public libraries to establish policies for curation and removal of library materials, including a system of review to address concerns over library materials. The Department of Education, the State Librarian, the New Jersey Association of School Librarians, and the New Jersey School Boards Association will support establishing these policies. The Freedom to Read Act also provides protections for library staff members against civil and criminal lawsuits related to complying with this law. Fifteen years have passed since Trenton closed four satellite libraries that existed in four individual wards. It’s amazing that budget cuts in urban areas generally remove key aspects of education and these extrications push cities toward doom. Princeton residents would never allow the closing of a room in the library, let alone shuttering the entire building. Trenton politicians will counter that the once-closed East Trenton Library building received a million-dollar makeover and will reopen soon. But it’s not going to be a library at all. In fact, just months away from opening and questions remain about what’s going to be inside the building on North Clinton Ave. One interesting fact about successful libraries underscores their existence as breathing community organisms. Find a seat outside of the Princeton Public Library and watch doors open as visitors immerse themselves inside as they enjoy freedoms of reading, looking, learning, and listening. While the Trenton Literacy Movement attempts to impact early childhood reading that assures students reach third-grade reading/comprehension levels on time, this city needs a sustained emergency plan that energizes this issue. What’s missing? What’s almost always missing — parents. Education success demands that moms, dads and guardians play an active role in early childhood learning. Without a buy-in from parents to perform their critical at-home roles of teaching numbers, colors, shapes, alphabet and other initiatives that unlock vaults of cognitive skills and speech, learning gets delayed. While the protection of reading rights and having access to myriad publications and ideas identify as wonderful initiatives to protect a free society, early childhood education exists as the birthplace of learning. Without reading and a thriving education system, this capital city will never experience real revitalization, true freedom. In the wonderful words of Frederick Douglas — Once you learn to read, you will be forever free. L.A. Parker is a Trentonian columnist. Find him on Twitter @LAParker6 or email him at [email protected].