SPRINGFIELD, Ill.–The Illinois Secretary of State, who serves as the State’s Librarian, is vowing to protect free speech and access to books by drafting first-in-the-nation legislation. 

What You Need To Know

  • The Illinois Secretary of State is filing first-in-the-nation legislation to prevent book bans 

  • It comes amid efforts throughout the nation to ban books from library shelves

  • Sec. of State Giannoulias said in a YouTube video that book banning undermines the First Amendment and defies what education is all about

  • The bill proposes state funding will be eligible to public libraries that do not ban books

Sec. of State Alexi Giannoulias’ legislation comes amid efforts throughout the nation to ban books from library shelves. 

“This is an alarming phenomenon that’s occurring throughout the nation, including Illinois, which is designed to polarize and disrupt our communities,” Giannoulias said in a statement.

Giannoulias said in a YouTube video that book banning undermines the First Amendment and defies what education is all about. 

“When books are banned or challenged, the footing of a student’s curriculum becomes unstable. By opening children up to new places, people and other cultures, books help them develop empathy for others. They also provide representation to children who come from marginalized communities,” said Giannoulias. 

Giannoulias said these book bans have nothing to do with the books. 

“Instead, they are about ideas that certain individuals disagree with and believe no one should think, or be allowed to think,” said Giannoulias. 

He also mentioned groups behind some of the book bans have threatened librarians’ safety.

“This Right to Read legislation will help remove the pressure that librarians have had to endure from extremist groups like the Proud Boys who have targeted some of our libraries,” said Giannoulias.

The secretary of state also said parents and children should be able to choose for themselves what they would like to read, arguing banning books takes away that right.

In 2022, A Missouri state law set guidelines for school libraries in providing explicit materials to students. Missouri Secretary of State Jay Ashcroft also has proposed rule change that would tie a public library’s ability to receive state funding to having published policies for age-appropriate material. The Indiana Senate recently passed a bill to ban “inappropriate” books in school libraries. A similar bill is being debated in Texas. 

“In Illinois, we don’t hide from the truth, we embrace it and lead with it,” said Governor Pritzker. “Banning books is a devastating attempt to erase our history and the authentic stories of many. Students across this state deserve to see themselves reflected in the pages of stories that teach and entertain. I’m proud to support House Bill 2789 and ensure that Illinois’ libraries remain sources of knowledge, creativity, and fact.”

Under House Bill 2789, Illinois libraries would only be eligible for state funded grants if they show they adhere to the American Library Association’s Library Bill of Rights which indicates 

  • reading material should not be removed or restricted because of partisan or personal disapproval

  • or issue a statement complying with the policies of the State Library or one prohibiting the practice of banning books or resources. 

Giannoulias said some books being challenged in Illinois include ones about COVID 19 as well as acclaimed books like The Kite Runner and How to Kill a Mockingbird.

According to the American Library Association (ALA), there were 67 attempts to ban books in Illinois in 2022, increasing from 41 the previous year. Nationwide, there were 681 attempts involving more than 1,600 titles in 2021.