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HD 2546

An Act ensuring our freedom to read in the Commonwealth

194th Legislature (2025-2026) Introduced by Jim Hawkins

Massachusetts act protects readers by preventing bans on library materials, expands access, and sets MBLC rules to ensure well-staffed, diverse collections in public libraries.

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Bill Summary · HD 2546

Summary: An Act ensuring our freedom to read in the Commonwealth (HD 2546)

Overview

  • Purpose: Establish a policy framework to promote free, accessible public libraries across Massachusetts and protect the freedom to read by preventing political or external restrictions on library materials.
  • Bill number and status: House Docket No. 2546 (introduced 2025; similar matter filed previously in 2023-2024). Presented by Representative James K. Hawkins.
  • Governing authority: The Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioners (MBLC) would administer the act and issue implementing rules. The Massachusetts State Advisory Council on Libraries (SACL) would advise MBLC on matters under the act, especially regarding public library system formation.
  • Effective date: Takes effect upon passage.

Key provisions and requirements

  • Policy declarations:
    • The Commonwealth commits to improving free public libraries and promoting cooperation among libraries, including sharing digital resources.
    • Libraries shall be protected against attempts to ban, remove, or otherwise restrict access to books or other materials.
  • Administrative framework:
    • MBLC shall develop and enforce rules/regulations to implement the act.
  • Standards and objectives to be implemented by MBLC (A–H):
    • A. Expand public library services to areas not currently served.
    • B. Ensure library materials meet student needs at all educational levels.
    • C. Provide adequate materials to satisfy reference and research needs of all residents.
    • D. Ensure an adequately staffed corps of professionally trained librarians.
    • E. Adopt the American Library Association’s Library Bill of Rights or establish a written policy affirming the library’s authority to maintain a diverse, adequate collection and prohibit bans of specific books or resources.
    • F. Provide accessible public library outlets and facilities in convenient times and locations.
    • G. Encourage existing and new libraries to form systems serving sufficiently large populations at reasonable cost.
    • H. Promote efficient use of public funds to improve libraries and systems.
  • Advisory role of SACL:
    • SACL shall confer with MBLC, advise on matters under the act, and contribute to decisions about forming public library systems.

Who/what is affected

  • Public libraries and public library systems across the Commonwealth.
  • Library staff, including librarians and administrators.
  • Students and general residents who rely on library services and materials.
  • Local and regional libraries involved in system formation and service expansion.

Potential impact and considerations

  • Access and equity: Emphasis on extending services to unserved areas and ensuring broad access to materials.
  • Censorship protections: Explicit commitment to protect access to library materials and prohibit bans or removal based on partisan or doctrinal disapproval (subject to MBLC rules).
  • Resource and planning implications: Board rules will guide funding, staffing, materials, and facilities; may influence budgeting and capital planning for libraries.
  • Implementation timeline: No specific deadlines for rules beyond passage; MBLC rules and SACL recommendations will shape the transition.

Notes

  • The bill emphasizes alignment with the American Library Association’s Library Bill of Rights as a guiding standard or formal policy basis.
  • It builds on prior related proposals (e.g., similar matters filed in earlier sessions) and aims to create a structured, rights-based framework for library services in Massachusetts.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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