A new Texas law has changed how public school libraries operate, giving parents expanded rights to monitor the books their children read while shifting key decision-making power away from librarians. Senate Bill 13, which took effect on Sept. 1, 2025, adds new layers of oversight and delays to how books are selected, reviewed and purchased for school libraries across the state.
Under the new law, school districts are required to provide parents with online access to every library title available to their student(s). Districts must also allow parents to submit a list of materials their child is not allowed to check out or use outside of the school library.
When a learning management system is used, parents will also receive records each time their child checks out library materials, including title, author, genre and return date, according to Texas Education Agency (TEA). Parents can now electronically opt their child out of access to specific materials without contacting the librarian directly.
Regardless of whether a district establishes a [School Library Advisory Council] SLAC, the law grants parents increased transparency and control over their child’s access to library materials, according to the Texas Association of School Boards (TASB).
In addition, SB 13 allows for the creation of school library advisory committees made up of primarily parents and community members unaffiliated with the district, according to Texas Library Association (TLA). These committees review proposed book purchases and make recommendations to the school board, which has final approval authority.
Supporters of the bill argue that it protects children and ensures community values are reflected in school materials.
“A speaker before me said we should cherish the value of books. Well, maybe so, but I would argue we should cherish and value our kids more, and Senate Bill 13 will do exactly that,” Rep. Brad Buckley said on the House floor on Monday, May 26, 2025.
Other lawmakers expressed similar views.
“SB 13 understands that too often and for too long our libraries have been filled with agendas,” Buckley said. “It’s time to end that.”
Allen High School librarian Morgan Lefevre is saddened by the changes that have added significant complexity to what was once a streamlined, professional selection process.
“Before, I could be getting new books in monthly. Now, we wait months just to see if we can buy anything at all,” said Lefevre.
Previously, librarians selected books based on reviews from professional journals, student interest and curriculum alignment. With SB 13 in place, Lefevre and other librarians must first submit a “wish list” of titles to a district coordinator, who then reviews the list using sources. Allen ISD has already begun implementing the new process.
“I submitted my first wish list on Aug. 18, and now we’re waiting for the school board to vote on it, which should happen around Oct. 27,” Lefevre said.
While the law’s supporters argue that SB 13 improves transparency and ensures that community values are reflected in school materials. But, Lefevre and many educators view it as a form of censorship that limits students’ access to diverse stories and perspectives.
“I do believe parents should have a say in what their kids read,” Lefevre said. “But I just wish it was more about conversations — like, ‘Hey, my kid picked this book up, and we decided not to read it’ — rather than shutting it down for everyone.”
The advisory committee model itself has drawn attention. Allen ISD received around 50 applications from parents and community members hoping to serve, but only a few will be chosen, according to Lefevre. The law requires that the majority of voting members on the committee be parents with no current employment or official role in the school district. Non-voting members, such as librarians or school employees, may be added to offer input, but the final authority on book approval lies with the school board.
Levfevre said she plans to watch the Sept. 22 board meeting to see who is chosen to serve on the committee.
“I’m going to watch the board meeting just to see who they pick,” Lefevre said. “There’s no way to know how it’ll turn out.”
Despite the delays and new requirements, Lefevre remains committed to her students.
“We’ve got a couple more obstacles now,” Lefevre said. “But we’ll get through it together. As long as we can keep making students successful, that’s all that matters.”
