Coalition of Library and Civil Liberties Groups Releases Letter Urging Tennessee Library Boards to Protect the Right to Read

A coalition of national library organizations, legal experts, and civil rights advocates released a public letter responding to the recent “age-appropriateness” review demanded by the Tennessee Secretary of State.

These directives have caused confusion and even temporary shutdowns at public libraries across the state. Many Tennesseans are understandably worried about what this means for their local library, and for the library boards and staff who are being pressured to follow an order that may not be legal, enforceable, or constitutional.

You can read and download the coalition letter here: https://pen.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/TN-SOS-Response-11.24.2025-1.pdf

Library boards in Tennessee, not the Secretary of State, have the legal authority to manage their libraries. Under Tennessee law, local library boards are entrusted with the responsibility of running their libraries, setting policies, and making decisions about collections and services.

The Secretary of State’s order does not override this authority.

Boards should not assume they are required to carry out the directive simply because it came from a state office. They deserve full, accurate information before they decide how to respond.

The directive may put libraries at risk of violating the U.S. Constitution. The Secretary of State ordered public libraries to re-examine “age-appropriate” books within 60 days. But courts across the country have ruled that removing books because some people dislike them is unconstitutional.

The coalition letter explains that federal courts have repeatedly struck down similar book bans in 2025. Vague, subjective “age-appropriateness” standards often lead to illegal censorship. No library board should be asked to choose between obeying a rushed state directive and upholding the Constitution.

The Secretary of State’s letter cites a Trump Executive Order, but that order does not give him the authority to censor books. Executive Order 14168 does not apply to public libraries. It does not give states permission to police book collections, and parts of it have already been blocked in court for violating First Amendment and equal-protection rights.

Libraries have been following all laws that actually exist, including federal civil rights requirements that say library services must be open to all.

These reviews cost time, money, and staff, and could leave taxpayers with the bill. Other states that tried similar reviews saw costs soar into hundreds of thousands of dollars, with additional legal liability when books were removed unlawfully. It is unfair and unnecessary to burden Tennessee taxpayers with an expensive process that may later be ruled unconstitutional.

Across Tennessee, libraries provide vital services, including children’s programming, computer access, research assistance, safe spaces for teens, meeting rooms, and more. They serve everyone, without discrimination. The Secretary of State to clarify his instructions and stop pushing libraries toward actions that could harm their communities or violate the law.

What Can We Do?

• Read the coalition letter (opens PDF) and share it with neighbors, local leaders, and community groups.
• Talk to your library board members and remind them they have the authority and responsibility to protect the library and follow the law.
• Stand with your library as we work to ensure every Tennessean has the freedom to read without fear or censorship.
• Take the Pledge to Support TN Libraries and stand ready to help. This will not be a quick campaign to restore readers' rights and safeguard our libraries.