18A:73-33a Definitions regarding public libraries.

281 words·~1 min read·/nj/title-18a/chapter-73/18a-73-33a

A research copy — for the controlling text, always check the official state or federal source. Not legal advice.

8. As used in sections 9 through 12 of this act:

"Censorship" means to block, suppress, or remove library material based on disagreement with a viewpoint, idea, or concept or solely because an individual finds certain content offensive, but does not include limiting or restricting access to any library material deemed developmentally inappropriate for certain age groups.

"Diverse and inclusive material" means material that reflects any protected class as enumerated in the "Law Against Discrimination," P.L.1945, c.169 (C.10:5-1 et seq.); material produced by an author who is a member of a protected class as enumerated in the "Law Against Discrimination," P.L.1945, c.169 (C.10:5-1 et seq.); and material that contains the author's points of view concerning contemporary problems and issues, whether international, national or local.

"Governing body" means a board of trustees, director or other chief administrative officer, a county library commission, or board of county commissioners of a public library.

"Individual with a vested interest" means any resident who is served by the public library or resides in a county or municipality where the library is situated.

"Library material" means any material including, but not limited to, nonfiction and fiction books, magazines, reference books, supplementary titles, multimedia and digital material, and software and instructional material belonging to, on loan to, or otherwise in the custody of a public library.

"Public library" means a library that serves, free of charge, all residents of an area as established pursuant to chapter 33 or chapter 54 of Title 40 of the Revised Statutes and receives financial support, in whole or in part, from public funds or a library established pursuant to N.J.S.15A:1-1 et seq. and receiving public funds pursuant to R.S.40:54-35.

L.2024, c.96, s.8.