ALBANY, NY – The New York State Senate passed Senator Rachel May’s Open Shelves Act (S.1100), affirming that decisions about public library collections should remain in the hands of trained library professionals, safeguarding New Yorkers’ right to access a wide range of books and materials. May is also urging the legislature to pass her Freedom to Read Act, legislation that would safeguard students’ access to diverse, age-appropriate materials in school libraries and uphold their freedom to learn and explore new ideas. 

"New York students and library patrons deserve the freedom to explore a wide range of ideas, perspectives, and experiences. The Open Shelves Act and the Freedom to Read Act protect that right by ensuring access to materials that encourage learning, critical thinking, and creativity. I thank the Senate Majority for passing the Open Shelves Act and am hopeful that we can get the Freedom to Read Act across the finish line, so students have the opportunity to discover books that help them learn, grow, and see the world in new ways," said Rachel May.