Access to books and information is not just a privilege; it’s a fundamental right enshrined in the First Amendment and tied to civil rights. In New Mexico, we believe that everyone deserves fair access to resources in public institutions, free from discrimination and political influence. When books are removed or access is limited, it raises serious concerns about equality and violates both federal and state civil rights protections.
At Freedom to Read New Mexico, we are working on legislative solutions to protect the right to read of all our neighbors. Our mission is rooted in the First Amendment, which we recognize as the bedrock of free expression. We are passionate advocates for the rights of readers, striving to guarantee equal access to books and educational resources for all. We recognize that these resources are essential for fostering informed citizenship and a vibrant, engaged community.
Public libraries play a central role in upholding free expression and protecting readers' rights. Their mission is to offer everyone the opportunity to explore knowledge and ideas freely. This mission is upheld by our commitment to the First Amendment, due process, and civil rights laws. When books are taken out of circulation without following established professional guidelines, it impacts the rights of the entire community, not just those who want to read those particular books.
In schools, libraries are essential for promoting reading, learning, and student well-being. They support curriculum-wide educational goals such as social-emotional learning, culturally responsive teaching, and digital literacy. When access to books is restricted, it undermines educational equity, student mental health, and the trust families place in schools. Moreover, students maintain their First Amendment rights, and schools have a legal responsibility to provide equal educational opportunities for all.
At the collegiate level, academic libraries are core to fostering independent research and open scholarly debate. They contribute to the free inquiry that is foundational to higher education. Any political interference in library collections or access to research can jeopardize academic freedom, institutional credibility, and the rights of faculty and students. This kind of interference can also diminish the competitiveness of national research efforts.
Politicized book lists, outsourcing decisions to political figures, and vague standards of “appropriateness” do not help our communities, schools, and campuses thrive. That is why Freedom to Read New Mexico advocates for legislative protections of access to books and libraries. This is about protecting the rights of every individual, supporting diverse voices, and ensuring that everyone has the opportunity to learn, grow, and fully participate in society.
During the last legislative session, New Mexico lawmakers considered important Right to Read protections. This session, Freedom to Read New Mexico wants to ensure that lasting legal protections for readers, students, and communities are thoughtfully advanced through coalition-driven civic engagement.
Keep up with our current legislative efforts here.