If you’ve been monitoring the state of libraries here in Missouri, you have probably heard of Secretary of State Jay Ashcroft’s proposed administrative rule change to restrict funding to libraries through his office unless certain conditions are met. This is very serious, as it does not require a public vote, passage of laws, or other checks on this level of oversight.
While the broadest, most immediate impact would be on public libraries, this rule change would potentially impact all types of libraries here in Missouri, including school and academic libraries. As well, we know any overreach at the state level when it comes to libraries is a testing grounds for other attempts or methods both here in Missouri as well as other states.
Various organizations, including the Missouri Library Association and the Missouri Association of School Librarians, are encouraging those opposed to the rule change to make their beliefs known during the public comment period, which begins on Nov. 15th and continues for 30 days.
You have a few options to submit comments. First, MLA is offering a form on their website along with talking points: Action Against Censorship Second, you may email or mail your comments directly to the Secretary of State’s Office using the information included below:
Public comments may be mailed to the Office of the Missouri Secretary of State PO Box 1767, Jefferson City, MO 65109 or emailed to comments@sos.mo.gov. To be considered, all comments to the proposed rule must be received during the comment period of November 15, 2022 to December 15, 2022 and must include “15 CSR 30-200.015” in the subject line.
molibraryallies.org 