New rules for challenging books in school libraries

What happened

The School Committee approved an amended Selection and Reconsideration Policy for its school libraries on June 11, 2026. The assistant superintendent said the amendment concerns the process for complaints asking the district to reconsider library materials, and brings the policy into line with a new state law.

Why it matters to families

This policy sets out how a book gets chosen for a school library and what happens when someone asks for it to be removed.

The evidence

The May 7, 2026 approved minutes record the assistant superintendent pointing out the amendment to the policy regarding the complaint reconsideration process about materials and noting the policy is in compliance with the new law. The June 11, 2026 minutes record a 4-0 vote approving the Selection and Reconsideration Policy. The policy text and the state law it responds to were not filed with the minutes.

The source