As reported by Patch.com: Mahwah Township elementary schools in Mahwah, NJ have instituted a new policy that limits students’ ability to check out books to once every two to three weeks. After parent outcry, the policy will be discussed at a school board meeting tonight (November 14, 2018). UPDATE: The Board will re-convene in January to review the policy. Parents in the community are gathering support to advocate for greater library access. If you are looking to get involved, please reach out.
NCAC’s Statement:
The National Coalition Against Censorship’s Kids’ Right to Read Project is dedicated to ensuring all students have access to the resources they need to think, create and explore new ideas. NCAC is deeply concerned about a new district-wide policy in Mahwah, NJ, which restricts the open circulation of school library books. As forums for learning and the open exchange of information, school libraries should strive to broaden rather than restrict students’ access to literature. The district suggests this policy allows for “a wide variety of literacy and learning experiences”, but it does not explain how restricting circulation enables these new experiences. For many children, the library is the only place to access books and experience the joy of reading outside the classroom. For all children, the library is a place to discover, imagine and grow. NCAC urges the district to reconsider this policy and uphold Mahwah students’ freedom to explore and learn.
More details on the policy are available here.