State Librarians: TN laws spur removal of more than 1,000 library books in public schools

Regulations approved by the Tennessee General Assembly last year has resulted in the purge of novels and other materials from public school libraries.

At last count, more than 1,100 books had been removed from shelves, according to information from the Tennessee Association of School Librarians. Their statement said students especially high school advance course members could see valuable class materials removed and put them at a disadvantage.

The law requires review of a library’s collection to insure the books are age appropriate and do not violate obscenity regulations. This week is National Banned Book Week–an event that started in 1982 to keep publications free and open to the public.

(IMAGE: Pexels / R. Cosquiere)