New Report: The State-by-State 2025 Legislative Landscape for Libraries

While the threats to free expression and the right to read remain persistent and serious, the report also highlights important legislative victories in nine states that passed pro-library, pro-reader bills in the first half of the year.

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During the first half of 2025, EveryLibrary monitored over 130 bills in state legislatures across the country that directly impact libraries, library workers, and the public’s right to read. Our new report, "Codifying Censorship or Reclaiming Rights: The State-by-State 2025 Legislative Landscape for Libraries," provides an in-depth analysis of these legislative trends and equips library leaders, civil liberties advocates, and policy stakeholders with the information they need for effective responses.

Download the report today!

These bills ranged from attempts to criminalize school librarians and redefine obscenity statutes to sweeping proposals that would cut funding, impose content restrictions, and interfere with local library governance. Conversely, nine states advanced and enacted positive legislation that protects the right to read, strengthens school and public libraries, and expands access to digital content.

The 2025 report provides a comprehensive overview of these trends, including an executive summary of 11 categories of harmful bills, such as criminalization statutes, anti-DEI mandates, and measures seeking to remove or defund library boards and local governance. These categories underscore a growing, coordinated movement aimed at legislating censorship and restricting access to books and information, particularly for marginalized communities and students.

Wins in 9 states include new laws that affirm the right to read, protect school and public librarians from harassment or prosecution, ensure access to digital content, and strengthen public policy in support of open and equitable library service.  

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This report unpacks:

• Eleven categories of harmful legislation, addressing issues ranging from redefinitions of obscenity to contract restrictions and local governance mandates.
• An overview of positive legislation that has been enacted in nine states, which affirms the right to read, protects school and public libraries, and enhances access to digital content.
• A detailed state-by-state summary indicating where these bills have passed, failed, or remain active.
• Frameworks show that progress is possible when advocates and legislators work together toward the shared values of access, inclusion, and free expression.
• Insights into the evolving nature of library coalitions, the influence of contract lobbyists, and potential opportunities for proactive legislative engagement in 2026.

Appendix A is a detailed table of bills that negatively impact libraries, organized by state and bill number for easy reference. Appendix B is a state-by-state summary of positive legislation enacted in 2025. It features annotated bill summaries, an executive overview, and links to model legislation and resources for advocates working on the front lines.

The report serves as both a diagnostic and strategic tool. While we continue to track serious threats to libraries, this report is first and foremost a roadmap for winning.

When we focus on smart policy, build the right coalitions, and tell the right story to legislators, we can make meaningful progress.