News

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.

Right to Read ND is organizing local Read Outs across North Dakota on Saturday, March 1st, from 2-2:30 PM CST. Read Outs will be held in Bismarck, Minot, Williston, Dickinson, Grand Forks, West Fargo, and more locations may be added.

A list of tools and resources for the beginner genealogist.

Hello Right to Read ND Advocates,

The Library Censorship Bill is headed to the Senate floor! This week, the Senate Judiciary committee gave Senate Bill 2307 a DO PASS recommendation, even with over 100 pieces of testimony submitted in opposition to the bill.

This commentary was originally published in the North Dakota Monitor.

Throughout my life I have seen the power of books and libraries. As a daycare provider, I offered kids storytimes in my home and volunteered as a library storytime reader. While growing up in Zap, North Dakota, my 5 siblings and I were so hungry for the printed word that we even exchanged cereal boxes at the breakfast table. Later, I brought my own children to the Minot Public Library, checking out books for them and for myself. The library became such a large influence on our lives that my daughter grew up to be a library director.

Most people have experienced the thrill of typing in a code and hearing the sound of a food or drink item hitting the bottom of a vending machine. What if we told you there’s a way to experience the same excitement for book lovers?

Book vending machines are becoming popular among libraries and schools nationwide, and the North Dakota State Library has been leading by example. Here’s everything you need to know about book vending machines and what the North Dakota State Library has been doing to make books more accessible.

SB 2307 Is Censorship

Senate Bill 2307 is another attempt by North Dakota legislators to censor materials in our public libraries and override our First Amendment rights. Here are four reasons to join us in opposing the bill: