Publishers and Library Sue Idaho Over Law Restricting Youth Access to Books

Publishers and a library sue Idaho, challenging a law that limits youth access to books, citing censorship and free speech concerns.

on Feb 06, 2025

Publishers, Library Sue Idaho Over Youth Book Ban Law

Boise, Idaho – A coalition of major book publishers, a small public library, and other plaintiffs filed a lawsuit in Idaho this week against officials, challenging a measure that forces libraries to restrict access to books identified as "harmful to minors." The law mandates that certain books be locked in an adults-only section if community members object, fueling concerns over censorship and First Amendment violations.

Legal Challenge and Concerns

A federal lawsuit, filed by Donnelly Library, Penguin Random House, and others, argues that the law is too vague and unduly restrictive of students' and librarians' rights. Plaintiffs caution that classic works of literature like Slaughterhouse-Five and A Clockwork Orange are being unfairly sequestered.

As the lawsuit puts it: "Many students first encounter these books under the guidance of educators and librarians." "Idaho now demands that public schools and libraries either sequester these books or risk legal action and fines.

It is the second challenge against the law. A challenge was filed this past summer by a group of private schools and libraries. Other states, such as Arkansas, Iowa, Florida, and Texas, are also experiencing similar legal battles over the limitation on books in schools and libraries.

Impact on Libraries and Schools

Idaho's law, passed last year, mandates that schools and public libraries move books classified as "harmful to minors" or face lawsuits. If a complaint is filed, libraries have 60 days to respond or risk fines of $250 per violation. The law's definition of "harmful" includes content related to homosexuality, drawing criticism from library organizations.

The Donnelly Public Library, the only after-school facility in the small town of Donnelly, has been forced to restrict minors from entering without a parental waiver due to space constraints preventing the creation of an adults-only section.

In the state's largest school district, librarian Christie Nichols was asked to remove 30 books from her high school library and bring them back to district headquarters; they are valued for their instructional content. The two students added their voices to the lawsuit saying that their academics are being frustrated by the prohibition of access to critical literature.

National Book Access Debate

Efforts to ban books in public and school libraries have been on the rise in recent years, mainly fueled by conservative advocacy groups. Republican-led states have passed laws imposing penalties on libraries and schools that provide access to certain books, while Democratic-led states like Washington and Illinois have introduced measures to prevent book bans.

With this lawsuit, Idaho's restrictions on books in libraries face a growing legal challenge, reinvigorating the national debate over free access to literature and censorship in education.