Right to Read ND is a nonpartisan group of North Dakotans who have come together in response to the growing movement to limit access to books and materials in our libraries and schools. We work to empower citizens across the state by engaging in advocacy and education to protect the freedom to read.
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Guest column by Gail Reiten, Right to Read ND's 2025 Advocacy ChairWhat does the Right to Read mean to me? It means that I can go to the library and find many choices...
On June 14, Governor Armstrong was censured by state leaders of the ND Republican Party—his own political party—for vetoing Senate Bill 2307, the recent book ban bill. This censure means bills like SB 2307 are not done and our work at Right to Read ND must continue in earnest.
Libraries provide many free and accessible resources to their communities that promote lifelong learning and skill-building. The North Dakota State Library offers books, research databases, and programs for all ages—but that’s just the beginning. They also provide access to a free digital learning platform called Niche Academy. Here’s what you should know about Niche Academy and how the NDSL promotes free education.
Have you ever heard someone talking about a book being "moved" in the library? Sometimes, books are moved from their original section to another, such as when children's and young adult books are relocated to the adult section. This can make people wonder if it's fair, or if it's a type of censorship.Censorship is the suppression of speech, ideas, or information that a particular person or group finds objectionable. It involves the power to restrict access to certain materials, often based on subjective moral or political viewpoints. Censorship can happen in different ways, like taking a book off the shelves completely or making it so only certain people can read it.
Right to Read North Dakota applauds Governor Kelly Armstrong for vetoing Senate Bill 2307 and the North Dakota Senate for sustaining his veto today, finally putting an end to this unnecessary, unworkable, and unconstitutional bill.
This law would criminalize librarians, expand state control over local libraries, and cost taxpayers millions.
The North Dakota House Appropriations Committee issued a 22–1 “Do Not Pass” recommendation on Senate Bill 2307, sending a strong message that censorship bill is not only poor policy but also a waste of taxpayer dollars. The Committee rejected the bill sponsor’s last-minute policy amendment, opting instead to advance the bill to the full House with the original $2 million fiscal note still attached. This is a major win for advocates of local control, fiscal responsibility, and the First Amendment.
Right to Read ND strongly condemns the recent executive order issued by the Trump administration, which directs eliminating the Institute of Museum and Library Services.
Senate Bill 2307, the library censorship bill, is an unnecessary and expensive bill! It will cost taxpayers at least $2 million if the bill is passed. The bill is headed next to the House Appropriations Committee to discuss this funding and give it a Do Pass or Do Not Pass recommendation based on its impact on the state budget as a whole.What is the $2 million funding for? The State Library in coordination with the Online Dakota Information Network (ODIN) received a quote from their vendor to implement an age verification system to their statewide database, which is used especially by schools and university students. This verification system is required by the proposed law to add an online filter for K-12 students. To be clear, this additional online filtering is unnecessary: libraries and schools already implement filters in compliance with the Children's Internet Protection Act.
In February, the North Dakota Senate narrowly passed Senate Bill 2307, the library censorship bill. It's now headed to the House Judiciary Committee for another committee hearing and floor vote. We've compiled talking points to help you navigate your conversations with your House representatives.