Key Takeaways
- Megan Tuttle, President of NEA-New Hampshire, said: "Books are for all of us. Every student deserves to see themselves in the pages of their books. As educators, we know that when students are given a choice in what they read, as well as support and time to read, they thrive. Efforts to limit those choices and censor books written by mostly Black, brown, and LGBTQ+ authors—whether in Congress, at the State House, or in our local schools and libraries—deny students the ability to see themselves and understand our similarities and our differences. This Banned Books Week, we're standing in solidarity with everyone fighting to ensure every student has to look no further than the shelves of their own school libraries to find age-appropriate books that show they are reflected and respected.”
CONCORD, NH — As communities across the country celebrate Banned Books Week (October 5–11, 2025), New Hampshire advocates are lifting up the freedom to read while sounding the alarm about renewed efforts to censor classrooms and libraries.
Earlier this year, Governor Kelly Ayotte vetoed HB 324, a controversial bill that would have criminalized teachers, librarians, and school board members for offering books and curriculum materials. That veto was a major victory for academic freedom and local control, made possible by families, educators, and advocates speaking out across the state.
But the fight is far from over. Another bill, SB 33, is still under consideration in the NH House of Representatives. The bill uses vague and undefined language and imposes burdensome processes on local schools. If passed, it would pressure educators and administrators to remove materials based on individual objections rather than educational value. Advocates warn this would chill access to diverse books and silence the voices of historically marginalized communities.
In response, Granite Staters are celebrating Banned Books Week with joy and purpose. Events across the state include banned book clubs, community book swaps, and celebrations of inclusive stories that help students learn, grow, and feel seen. Parents, students, and educators are coming together to show that while some try to ban books, we will keep reading, and keep fighting for the freedom to learn.
Statements from NH Freedom to Read Coalition supporters:
Jacquelyn Benson, NH Regional Leader for Authors Against Book Bans, said: “Judy Blume. Toni Morrison. Margaret Atwood. New Hampshire's own Jodi Picoult. These are just a few of the hundreds of authors whose books have been banned in American libraries last year—because book bans aren't about protecting children. They're about controlling our access to ideas, because ideas have always been dangerous. In a moment where our freedom to read is under attack, fighting to preserve the diversity of genres, viewpoints, reading levels, subject matter, and voices in our libraries is more vital than ever.”
John Chrastka, Executive Director of EveryLibrary, said: "In New Hampshire, the freedom to read is not merely a principle but a fundamental promise woven into the state Constitution and the civic fabric. Granite Staters have always cherished individual liberty, local decision-making, and the right of families to make their own choices. Attempts to criminalize librarians, intimidate educators, or ban books based on political agendas undermine these core values, straying far from the desires of the community. The freedom to read is so essential to our republic that it is an ideal worth fiercely defending. Can New Hampshire continue to create a future anchored in personal freedoms, embracing a 'live and let read' philosophy, where the marketplace of ideas is accessible to all?”
Tanisha Johnson, Executive Director of Black Lives Matter New Hampshire: "Banned Book Week reminds us how powerful stories are and how important it is to protect access to diverse voices and truthful history. Right now, SB 33 threatens to further censor education in New Hampshire. SB 33 is a dangerous step toward censorship, erasure, and state-sanctioned educational inequality. It is a book ban in disguise, one that threatens to silence stories, restrict access to knowledge, and deny students a full, honest education. The impact will fall hardest on marginalized students; Black students, queer students, students of color, immigrant youth, and others whose histories and identities are already minimized or attacked in the classroom. This legislation would give power to the loudest voices of opposition, often rooted in racism, homophobia, or political agendas, to decide what all students can learn. It undermines local control of curriculum, erases essential lessons on race, identity, and justice, and continues the long history of keeping truth out of our schools. Governor Kelly Ayotte vetoed HB 324 in July, citing concerns about its chilling effect on teachers and government overreach. That veto was widely celebrated as a victory for academic freedom. Now, as SB 33 heads to her desk, advocates once again urge Governor Ayotte to stand with educators, families, and students by rejecting this bill. Parents, school leaders, and civil rights groups have already raised their voices and we join them in demanding that our schools remain spaces for learning, not censorship."
Heidi Carrington Heath, Executive Director, NH Outright, said: “Banned Books Week invites us all to imagine a world of possibility and hope where all stories are told, celebrated, and freely expressed. We have seen multiple efforts this year to limit access to books in our schools, and to attempt to limit access to ideas, or concepts that make us uncomfortable in at least one of our public libraries. This week we join our partners, families, and individuals across the state in celebrating the commitment to live free, and read! We are stronger together when we can celebrate diverse stories, multiple viewpoints, and our expanding horizons through books, and literature. All New Hampshire young people deserve to be seen, be heard, and be themselves inside, and outside of the classroom. We celebrate the books that help make that possible.”
MacKenzie Nicholson, Senior Director of MomsRising New Hampshire, said: “Moms across the Granite State are pros at repeating ourselves (with love), and Banned Books Week is no different. We already defeated a book ban once this year, and we are here to say it again: New Hampshire families do not want politicians deciding what our children can read. With censorship efforts coming from many directions, we are answering with joy and local action: neighborhood banned book clubs, book swaps, love for our teachers and librarians, and sharing and celebrating stories that help our kids feel seen. We choose community over fear, and we will keep organizing so every classroom and library has room for every child’s story. And yes, the moms are watching.”
Christina Pretorius, Education Justice Campaign Director of Engage NH and mom of three children in public schools, said: “Banned Books Week is a celebration of ideas, learning, and diversity of thought. The freedom to read is the freedom to educate ourselves and form our own opinions. When extremist politicians try to pass book bans and policies that limit access to books, it undermines our children’s freedom to learn and grow in classrooms where they feel safe, seen, and understood. This week, we are celebrating the thousands of books that have opened new worlds and perspectives for our students and communities. Year round, we will continue to work to make sure Granite Staters can live free and read.”
Deb Howes, President of American Federation of Teachers-NH, said: "At AFT-NH, we strongly support every student’s freedom to explore the world through reading. School libraries play a vital role in this mission—they are often the only place where students can freely choose age-appropriate books without having to purchase them. Access to a wide range of books and materials in school libraries is not only essential to education, it is a constitutional right. This access empowers students to pursue their interests, strengthen literacy skills, and encounter people like them or totally unlike them —through the pages of a book. In short, it broadens their understanding of the world, which is exactly what we want for all our students.That’s why we must stand together to resist book bans. Censorship undermines education, silences voices, and limits the growth of young minds. Let’s protect the freedom to read and ensure that every student has the opportunity to learn, grow, and thrive."
Megan Tuttle, President of NEA-New Hampshire, said: "Books are for all of us. Every student deserves to see themselves in the pages of their books. As educators, we know that when students are given a choice in what they read, as well as support and time to read, they thrive. Efforts to limit those choices and censor books written by mostly Black, brown, and LGBTQ+ authors—whether in Congress, at the State House, or in our local schools and libraries—deny students the ability to see themselves and understand our similarities and our differences. This Banned Books Week, we're standing in solidarity with everyone fighting to ensure every student has to look no further than the shelves of their own school libraries to find age-appropriate books that show they are reflected and respected.”
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