In Spring 2023, the Rio Rancho Public Library faced an unexpected series of book challenges from community members backed by national right-wing extremist groups. City Management, the Governing Body, and the Community quickly pulled together to support the Library in defense of the Freedom to Read and the First Amendment, and enacted an official resolution in support of the Library’s policies and practices. This presentation will tell the story of how the book ban attempt unfolded; share the steps and actions taken by the Library and City in its defense; and offer suggestions on what other public libraries can do to combat these attacks in their own communities.
