BISMARCK, N.D. (RRND) – Right to Read ND, (RRND) a nonpartisan group of North Dakotans dedicated to fighting censorship and protecting the freedom to read, is organizing local Read Outs across North Dakota on Saturday, March 1st, from 2-2:30 PM CST. Read Outs will be held in Bismarck, Minot, Williston, Dickinson, Grand Forks, West Fargo, and more locations may be added.

North Dakotans are invited to bring a book and read silently on the public sidewalk outside their local library to show their opposition to Senate Bill 2307, a bill that targets library content. The North Dakota Senate passed the bill in a narrow vote last week, and it now heads to the North Dakota House for a hearing and a floor vote.

“The bill is vague enough to allow for extreme interpretations,” said Right to Read co-chair Randi Monley. “It bypasses our local library and school board processes and opens the door for State’s Attorneys to prosecute librarians and teachers.” Janet Anderson who serves on the Right to Read ND steering committee also expressed frustration with the bill. “In the Senate, there were over 150 pieces of testimony submitted in opposition to this bill— 5 times the number of those in favor,”

Anderson said. “These Read Outs are a way for North Dakotans to show their frustration that legislators aren’t listening to their concerns about the bill.”

For more up-to-date Read Out locations and more event information, visit righttoreadnd.org

Right to Read ND is a group of North Dakotans who have come together in response to the growing movement to limit access to books and materials in our libraries and schools. We work to empower citizens across the state by engaging in advocacy and education to protect the freedom to read.