BISMARCK, N.D. (PPR) More than 200 people gathered outside Bismarck’s Veterans Memorial Library to protest bills at the Legislature to keep certain books off library shelves.

Two bills – HB 1205 and SB 2360 – would prohibit people from accessing books and other materials deemed to be “obscene” – and would subject library directors to fines and or jail time for not complying.

The protest was called a “Read-in.” The people gathered in a “quiet” protest. They brought their own books, and read them in the library plaza.

Beth Schatz Kaylor is the director of the Bismarck Library Foundation. She’s one of the “Read-in” organizers.

Historian Clay Jenkinson says the protest showed how much people care about free expression and libraries. He says people who try and act as censors look foolish in the eyes of history.

The two bills passed in their houses of origin – and will now be considered in the other chamber.

Story courtesy of Prairie Public Radio (PPR)