HARTFORD, CT (WFSB) – Several Connecticut lawmakers were harassed over a proposal to prevent books from being banned in libraries.
Senator Bob Duff, Majority Leader, received a hostile and anonymous phone threat after the proposal.
The person said, “I hope someone walks up to your car and takes the back of your head off.”
In 2023, there were 119 challenges to books at public and school libraries.
The bill would set up mechanisms to prevent censorship based on individual complaints.
It would also protect librarians and library staff.
“There has even been a death threat, and such antics are an anathema to our democracy and to the purpose [of] this bill. This bill protects the intellectual freedom of students and the public recognizes librarians’ professionalism and experience and promotes libraries as a center for growth and development,” said Sen. Duff.
Some of the books that were challenged include, “Adventures of Huckleberry Finn” by Mark Twain, “1984″ by George Orwell, “To Kill a Mockingbird” by Harper Lee, and “I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings” by Maya Angelou.
Some of these books addressed racism and slavery.
States such as Florida and Texas have made it easier to control books that are available in libraries.
However, a handful of states including New Jersey and California are trying to protect access.
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