Act 372 Threatens Librarians and Booksellers with Jail TIme

Librarians and booksellers in Arkansas could face jail time for doing their jobs after an appeals court overturned an injunction on Act 372.

In July 2026, a federal appeals court for the Eighth Circuit struck down an injunction on Act 372, clearing a path for enactment of a dangerous and unprecedented restriction on the Right to Read in Arkansas that threatens librarians and booksellers with criminal charges for providing certain materials to minors. In a state that ranks 47th in education and 1st in hungry children, gatekeeping factual information and restricting reading under the guise of protection is a terrible tragedy. 

For background information on the lawsuit that had seen parts of Act 372 enjoined, read more here and here. The July 2026 ruling can be found here. 

Lead attorney for the plaintiffs John Adams shared this statement: 

"Today’s decision is troubling. Libraries and bookstores should be places where people can freely explore ideas — not where booksellers and librarians face criminal liability for selling, checking out, or even just shelving constitutionally protected books. The freedom to read is fundamental to a free society and has always been protected by the First Amendment. We remain committed to defending that principle. We are reviewing the court’s opinion carefully and evaluating all available legal options, including further review by the courts."

The Arkansas Right to Read Project is committed to defending the right of all Arkansans to access constitutionally protected information. More information about how you can help will be forthcoming; make sure you’re signed up as an Arkansas Right to Read Supporter to stay in the loop. All of Arkansas’s librarians, teachers, and booksellers need your support now more than ever.