Freedom to Read Act

The Rhode Island Freedom to Read Act (R.I. Gen. Laws § 29-9) was passed by the Rhode Island General Assembly and signed into law by Governor Dan McKee on August 12, 2025.

The act promotes the free expression and free access of information by prohibiting the censorship of library materials in public libraries and school libraries. It also provides certain protections for library employees who have been subjected to discipline, termination, or threats of discipline or termination for refusing to censor library materials.

The act charges the Office of Library and Information Services (OLIS) to develop for public libraries a model Collection Development Policy, a model Request for Reconsideration of Library Material Policy, and a model Request for Reconsideration form for individuals with a vested interest to request reconsideration of library material. An “individual with a vested interest” is any resident who is served by the public library and resides in the municipality where the library is located.

Public Library Model Policies

Public libraries that already have policies for collection development, reconsideration of library materials, and a reconsideration of library material form may revise and/or update those policies as necessary to incorporate the required elements of the Freedom to Read Act. Libraries may also use the model policies and form provided below and edit to accommodate practices at their library.  All policies must be approved by the library's Board of Trustees.

• Model Collection Development Policy for Public Libraries
• Model Request for Reconsideration of Public Library Material Policy
• Model Request for Reconsideration of Public Library Material Form

These policies may be updated as OLIS deems necessary.

Policies last updated: October 5, 2026