Missouri librarian calls on libraries ‘to make a stand’ against censorship

Missouri’s public libraries got some good news this week. Yet, even as a Senate committee moved to restore all $4.5 million in funding for the state’s 160 local public libraries, librarians like Joe Kohlburn, of the Missouri Library Association, say that many of his colleagues remain fearful.

“I would say it’s tentative relief,” Kohlburn said Friday, reacting to the news of the budget’s restoration. “Unfortunately, I think the Missouri government is sending librarians a very specific message.”

That message has come in the form of new restrictions and criminal penalties for public libraries. In August, a new state law went into effect that outlaws school libraries offering books with sexually explicit images. Librarians and other school officials can face up to a year in jail or a $2,000 fine for violating the policy.

In response, librarians and free speech activists argued the law’s definition of sexually explicit content is unconstitutionally vague and will put librarians at risk for legal responsibilities. In February, the ACLU of Missouri sued to overturn the law on behalf of two library organizations, including the Missouri Library Association.