New State Law Sets Rigid Restrictions On TN School Libraries

By Jayden Branam

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There is no doubt that the library is the heart of Powell High School. Not only is it a place full of engrossing novels that nourish the mind as well as the soul, it is also a place of refuge for students who simply need to get away. Thanks to Ms. Briano, countless students have a quiet place to ease their anxiety and find appropriate tools to aid them in their studies. Why then is it, that our state legislatures feel the need to restrict our library?

    The Age Appropriate Materials Act was enacted in 2022. Initially, this act required public schools in Tennessee to publish a digital list of all their library books. However, as of the late, new requirements banning all books containing nudity, sexual content, sexual excitement, or excess violence have been put in place. Although this law may sound beneficial, it creates difficulties for students in advanced literature classes. Most classic literature books contain some form of mature content. By banning a large sum of these books, students have less access to novels meant to magnify their learning.

     Unlike previous restrictions, this law is district wide. Our school librarian, Ms. Briano says “all schools are required to remove the same books. This is different from our previous policy, where a book at an individual school could be challenged by students, teachers, and parents”. However, students and parents are always encouraged to reach out to state representatives and express their concerns with banned books.