Massachusetts has officially put its “freedom to read” law on the books. Gov. Maura Healey signed the legislation Monday at Franklin Public Library, establishing new rules around how books are selected and challenged in the state’s school and public libraries. Under the new law, library materials must be chosen based on factors like age appropriateness and educational purpose, rather than personal, political or doctrinal views. Librarians and educators are also protected from professional, civil and criminal penalties over controversial selections. And when a school library book is challenged, it stays on the shelf while the challenge is reviewed. Removing it requires a public process, including a hearing and vote by the relevant school committee or board. The legislation arrives as Massachusetts has seen campaigns to ban books from libraries increase 50% since fiscal 2023. “We’re keeping book bans out of Massachusetts,” Healey said before signing the bill. By the way, we have a ...