The Partnership that Saved Public Libraries in Texas
After significant public outcry, the Texas Senate left House Bill 3225 pending on the floor during the 2025 legislative session. The identical Senate Bill 2101 was similarly left pending in committee.
After significant public outcry, the Texas Senate left House Bill 3225 pending on the floor during the 2025 legislative session. The identical Senate Bill 2101 was similarly left pending in committee.
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The bills would have restricted public library materials for teens and young adults, including classic works of literature and health books.
Leaving these bills pending was an intentional move fueled by conversations with legislators to protect public libraries from recent attempts at censorship.
Other bills, such as HB 1375, which dealt with booksellers, and HB 183, aimed at school libraries, similarly failed after facing opposition from librarians, parents, and community members.
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Texas Freedom to Read Project (TXFTRP) mobilizes parents and community members to protect the freedom to read and fight against censorship across the state.
Anne Russey, co-founder of the Texas Freedom to Read Project, partnered with EveryLibrary to advocate for librarians and students.
“We are grateful for the digital support and guidance that EveryLibrary provided in helping Texans to testify at legislative hearings this session. Through this coordinated effort, we were able to protect public libraries from facing the same harmful laws that have affected school libraries in recent years," said Anne.
"EveryLibrary provided us with new strategies and amplified our messaging to hold legislators accountable to their constituents. To fight against bills like HB 3225, they helped us send Letters to the Editor and create coordinated petitions. We could not have succeeded without EveryLibrary’s dedication to fighting all types of book bans across the country.”
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EveryLibrary is so proud to be that kind of advocacy partner.
EveryLibrary supports frontline advocates and professional organizations, helping them succeed in their respective states and communities.
But we know this fight isn’t over. Politically motivated bad actors continue to threaten school librarians. New legislation is already being drafted for 2027.
We want to be ready to stand with Texans again.
If you believe in the right to read, the freedom to learn, and the power of public institutions to serve everyone, please support our work today.
Your donations help EveryLibrary show up where it matters when it matters most.