Georgia’s library workers — the backbone of an increasingly busy public service — may soon face criminal prosecution for doing their jobs. A new bill, Senate Bill 74, has sparked outrage, raising fears that librarians could be punished for providing access to materials deemed “harmful to minors.”
A Bill That Could Turn Librarians Into Criminals
Senate Bill 74 proposes to strip library workers of legal protection if they “knowingly” provide content considered harmful to minors. Under Georgia Code § 16-12-102, this term borrows from the U.S. Supreme Court’s obscenity definition — but the law’s broad wording has left many wondering where the line gets drawn.
The problem? Libraries carry hundreds of thousands of books, movies, and digital resources. Expecting librarians to pre-screen every page, cover to cover, is not just unrealistic — it’s impossible. They’re information professionals, not censors.
One librarian put it plainly: “Making sure no minor ever encounters content that someone might find inappropriate would require blocking every child from accessing nearly everything. That’s not a library anymore. That’s a locked room.”
The Reality of Age-Appropriate Content
Libraries already follow strict content selection guidelines. They evaluate materials based on author credibility, educational value, and public interest — whether it’s a historical biography, scientific study, or controversial novel.
What’s harmful to a 6-year-old isn’t necessarily harmful to a 16-year-old. Yet SB 74 doesn’t recognize these distinctions. It treats all minors the same. That one-size-fits-all approach raises major concerns:
- A children’s book about the human body could be flagged.
- A classic novel with mature themes might be deemed inappropriate.
- A historical account with harsh realities could be considered “too graphic.”
With self-checkout stations and open reading rooms, librarians aren’t monitoring every patron’s selections. They’re busy keeping the library running. Are they supposed to police every book checked out, too?
The Chilling Effect on Library Collections
If SB 74 becomes law, libraries might avoid stocking certain titles altogether to protect staff from legal trouble. That means fewer diverse perspectives, fewer challenging ideas, and fewer resources for kids and teens who need them most.
The fear goes beyond individual books. The law could reshape library collections statewide. Imagine walking into your local branch to find:
| Section | Before SB 74 | After SB 74 |
|---|---|---|
| Young Adult Fiction | Diverse voices, coming-of-age stories, LGBTQ+ representation | Sanitized, risk-free selections to avoid controversy |
| Science & Health | Books on puberty, mental health, and relationships | Limited, watered-down versions — or none at all |
| History & Memoirs | Honest accounts of racism, war, and social change | Censored or removed if considered “too harsh” |
The heart of public libraries is free access to information. SB 74 could force libraries to restrict that access — a step backward for intellectual freedom.
Librarians Deserve Protection, Not Prosecution
Georgia’s library workers are already stretched thin, supporting record-breaking numbers of patrons. In 2024 alone, more than 11.7 million items were borrowed — 407,500 more than the year before. These workers ensure resources are accessible, systems stay functional, and patrons get the help they need.
But now they’re facing a different kind of burden: legal fear.
Instead of recognition for their efforts, librarians could find themselves in court. Families, advocates, and library staff alike are calling for lawmakers to rethink SB 74 before it silences the very institutions that keep communities informed, educated, and connected.
Public libraries have long been safe spaces for exploration, learning, and growth. Senate Bill 74 threatens to change that — and the people who keep them running deserve better.
