A group of leading publishers, including Penguin Random House (PRH), Hachette Book Group, HarperCollins, Macmillan Publishers, and Simon & Schuster, have banded together in a landmark legal battle against what they see as a threat to intellectual freedom. Their joint lawsuit challenges Idaho’s controversial House Bill 710, which restricts access to books in public and school libraries.
Nihar Malaviya, CEO of PRH, addressed authors in an email, declaring the company’s stance against the bill, which he described as “blatantly discriminatory, broad, and vague.” Malaviya emphasised PRH’s commitment to defending the rights of readers and ensuring that diverse stories remain accessible.
House Bill 710, passed in 2024, mandates that library materials deemed harmful to children be relocated to adult-only sections. It explicitly prohibits anyone under the age of 18 from accessing books containing “sexual content.” However, the law’s sweeping definition has led to the restriction of classic and contemporary literary works, including Slaughterhouse-Five by Kurt Vonnegut, The Bluest Eye by Toni Morrison, The Handmaid’s Tale by Margaret Atwood, and Maya Angelou’s I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings.
Joining the lawsuit are Sourcebooks, the Authors Guild, acclaimed authors Malinda Lo, David Levithan, and Dashka Slater, as well as a teacher, students, parents, and the Donnelly Public Library District.
“We will always champion your stories and ensure they reach the readers who need them most,” Malaviya assured authors. He highlighted that this legal challenge marks PRH’s third significant lawsuit against book bans in just over a year, underscoring the publisher’s unwavering dedication to protecting the freedom to read.
A Growing Legal Movement
This lawsuit follows similar actions by PRH and other publishers in Iowa and Florida, where state laws have imposed restrictive measures on educational and public libraries. Legal experts, including those from the Cornell Law School First Amendment Clinic, are representing the coalition challenging House Bill 710.
Attorney Michael Grygiel emphasised the harmful consequences of the bill, stating: “This law has prompted the removal of classic works from library shelves as institutions attempt to shield themselves from liability. Such censorship directly undermines First Amendment rights and robs students of literature deemed appropriate by their parents.”
Sherry Scheline, director of Donnelly Public Library, described the devastating impact on their community. “Our library has always been a place of learning, creativity, and connection. But since the bill’s passage, we’ve faced severe restrictions. Children can’t even use our building without a complex waiver, and our circulation has plummeted.”
Dan Novack, PRH’s vice president and associate general counsel, echoed these concerns. “Make no mistake—book bans are real, and their impact is profound. Idaho’s law goes further than previous legislation by targeting public libraries as well. We’re proud to stand with Idahoans who are challenging this dangerous law and protecting the First Amendment.”
A Stand for Free Expression
This lawsuit represents more than just a legal battle—it’s a fight for the fundamental right to access diverse perspectives and ideas. As publishers, authors, educators, and community leaders rally against book censorship, their collective message is clear: libraries must remain spaces for discovery, creativity, and free expression.
With the outcome of this case still unfolding, one thing is certain—the fight to protect the freedom to read continues, and the publishing community is determined to lead the charge.
marcroy@peopleofprint.com
- Building Big Ideas: Inside the LEGO Design Student Challenge - February 17, 2026
- Penguin Random House Launches Support for Independent Bookshops - February 10, 2026
- Open Call: Indiecon International Travel Grant 2026 - February 9, 2026
Discover more from People of Print
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
