News & Updates

Read the latest news & updates from Texas Freedom to Read Project.

How Much are Book Bans Costing Texas Tax Payers?

{Guest post by Leila Green Little} According to documents obtained from a public records request, the State of Texas has spent $179,897.54 on its defense so far in BookPeople, Inc., et al., v. Martha Wong, et al. This price tag results from over 1,600 hours of labor for the Office of the Attorney General’s office.

And this is just the beginning—this cost will surely increase as the case goes to trial. Should the trend continue and the State of Texas eventually lose in the terminal stage of this lawsuit (as they most likely will), it will be responsible for paying the plaintiffs’ legal fees. 


Montgomery County Commissioners Court Puts Politics Above Public Interest

After several years of Montgomery County Memorial Public Library and librarians being subjected to slander, doxing and harassment by politicians and activists calling for the restriction and removal of diverse and inclusive books- especially age relevant children's and young adult books that center LGBTQ+ and BIPOC perspectives- the County Commissioners voted to appoint one of their own- the elected County Judge Mark Keough- as the director of the public library system. Judge Keough proceeded to immediately terminate the employment of Montgomery County's library director- Rhea Young. 


Texas Lt. Governor Patrick's Harmful Legislative Priorities

Yesterday, Texas Lieutenant Governor Dan Patrick announced 25 of his top priorities for the current legislative session. At least four out of the 25 bills will directly impact the freedom to read in Texas. 


United in the Fight for the Freedom to Read in Texas

On January 28, 2025 Texas Freedom to Read Project, along with a broad coalition of local, state and national partners and allies issued a joint statement affirming our shared commitment to fight for the freedom to read in our state during the 89th legislative session, and beyond. 


An Overview of the 2025 Texas Legislative Session

On January 14, 2025, the Texas Legislature commenced its 89th regular legislative session to set policy goals and advance bills that will impact residents statewide.


Other Causes for Concern in the 2025 Texas Legislative Session

Beyond bills that attempt to criminalize the profession of librarianship and take away funding from public schools, Texas representatives have filed bills that would attack booksellers and establish subjective criteria for approving or restricting instructional materials in public schools. 


The 2025 Texas Legislative Session: Vouchers and Defunding Public Education

On January 14, the Texas state legislature reconvened for its 89th legislative session. The pre-filed legislation reveals that members are prioritizing a variety of issues, especially vouchers that would reduce funding for public schools.


2025 Texas Legislative Session: Taking Away Local Control


The 2025 Texas Legislative Session: Criminalizing Librarians and Teachers


400+ LGBTQ+ Library Books Currently Blocked by Katy ISD

In August, Katy ISD’s school board adopted a revision to the EFB Local library book policy that prohibits books that “promote gender fluidity” in elementary & junior high, & requires parent opt-in for high school students. 

According to information obtained by public information request, Katy ISD campus librarians were informed in early October that students are to be prohibited from checking out over 400 books that the District marked “FA(Local)” in the District wide Destiny library catalog.