The Hamilton East Public Library in Indiana has emptied over half of its teen section as it searches for books deemed inappropriate for children, the Indianapolis Star reported Friday. The move follows similar library reviews across the country — a conservative-led push that has targeted books on race and LGBTQ+ topics. According to a recent report from the American Library Association, attempts to ban and restrict books in schools and public libraries surged in 2022 to a record level. In Indiana, school librarians could soon face felony charges if they fail to comply with House Bill 1447, a proposal that seeks to ban “harmful materials” from school libraries. The bill was passed by Indiana legislators this week and now awaits the governor’s signature to become law.

Source: Huffington Post April 30, 2023 12:59 UTC