02/07/2026
FROM Antrim Democrats - Antrim, NH
YOUR LOCAL LIBRARY IS BEING THREATENED
New Hampshire House Bill 1214 (HB 1214) undermines your library’s independence and opens the door to political control.
The bill strips authority from independent library trustees (elected by YOU) and allows town governing bodies to take direct control of public libraries. Libraries are intentionally governed independently so they can provide free and equal access to information without political interference.
What HB 1214 does
1. Allows municipal takeover of public library governance
2. Reduces trustees from governing authorities to advisory roles
3. Takes effect just 60 days after passage
Library trustees safeguard intellectual freedom, ensure responsible stewardship of public and donated funds, and provide stability beyond shifting political priorities. Weakening their authority risks politicizing library operations, collections, and services meant to serve the entire community—not those in power.
Public libraries depend on independence, stability, and public trust. HB 1214 threatens all three. Link to the bill: https://gc.nh.gov/bill_Status/pdf.aspx?id=22865...
Please contact the members of the Municipal and County Government Committee and urge a NO vote on advancing HB 1214 out of committee. Legislators need to hear clearly and consistently: local library governance should not be politicized.
Link to Committee members: https://gc.nh.gov/house/committees/committeedetails.aspx....
Contact your local legislator: https://gc.nh.gov/house/members/default.aspx