Announcing the Launch of Freedom to Read New Mexico

Freedom to Read New Mexico is a new, statewide, nonpartisan coalition consisting of parents, grandparents, educators, librarians, community leaders, authors, students, and allies. Our mission is to protect the First Amendment, civil rights, and the right of all New Mexicans to read freely and learn without unlawful interference.

Access to books and information is essential for education, democracy, cultural continuity, and equal opportunity throughout our state, whether in public libraries, school libraries, or college and university libraries. Libraries are among the most trusted public institutions in New Mexico, serving communities that are linguistically, culturally, geographically, and historically diverse. Protecting access to books is not just a matter of free expression; it also concerns educational equity and equal protection under the law.

In recent years, communities across the country, including those in New Mexico, have faced increasing pressure to restrict access to certain books. This has come through political challenges, vague policy standards, and efforts that bypass professional review processes. These developments affect students, families, educators, and entire communities, raising serious constitutional and civil rights concerns.

Freedom to Read New Mexico aims to address these challenges through lawful advocacy, public education, and broad civic collaboration. Our work is grounded in the First Amendment, federal and state civil rights protections, and respect for the professional standards of librarians and educators. We are building a diverse, statewide coalition to ensure that public policy and community decision-making remain transparent, lawful, and focused on students and readers.

We invite all New Mexicans who care about libraries, education, civil rights, and free expression to stay connected and be part of this growing statewide effort.

Read more about our mission and values.