The New Braunfels Independent School District (NBISD) has temporarily suspended student access to all its secondary school libraries. The decision, effective immediately, allows district staff to conduct a comprehensive review of more than 50,000 books to ensure compliance with a new state law, Senate Bill 13.
The NBISD Board of Trustees voted unanimously on Monday night to restrict access while the collection is evaluated against the standards set by the new legislation, which targets material deemed harmful, indecent, or profane. Elementary school libraries in the district will remain open for students.
Key Takeaways
- NBISD has suspended access to all secondary school libraries and materials for students.
- The closure is to review over 50,000 titles for compliance with Texas Senate Bill 13.
- The school board voted 7-0 in favor of the temporary suspension.
- SB13 prohibits school library materials containing content considered harmful, indecent, or profane.
- Elementary school libraries are not affected by this decision and will remain open.
Unanimous Board Decision Halts Library Access
The decision to close secondary libraries followed a lengthy discussion in executive session during the school board's regular meeting on Monday. Board Secretary Steve Minus introduced the motion, which directed the superintendent to implement the temporary suspension.
The motion, which passed with a 7-0 vote, also established a board advisory committee for SB13. This committee will be available to assist the superintendent as the district navigates the new state requirements. District administration has stated that resources are being allocated to speed up the review process and reopen the libraries as soon as possible.
By the Numbers: NBISD Library Collection
- Total District Resources: Over 195,000 books and materials.
- Secondary School Titles: More than 50,000 books are now under review.
- Board Vote: 7-0 in favor of the temporary suspension.
In a statement, the board of trustees described the move as a necessary measure. They emphasized their commitment to providing a safe learning environment while ensuring full compliance with state law.
"We certainly do not intend to limit access permanently but want to uphold our duty to provide a safe and appropriate learning environment while we carefully evaluate our collections," the trustees stated. "Once the review is complete, we look forward to restoring full access to materials that meet the legal and educational criteria."
Understanding Senate Bill 13
The catalyst for the library review is Senate Bill 13, a law passed during the 89th Texas legislative session. The bill introduces strict guidelines for materials available in public school libraries across the state.
What Does SB13 Require?
Senate Bill 13 mandates that school districts ensure their library collections are free of any materials that could be classified as "harmful, indecent or profane." The law also introduces new procedures for acquiring books, shifting final approval authority to school boards.
Under the new law, school districts must publicly post a list of all proposed new library books for at least 30 days before the board can vote to approve them. This period is intended to allow for public review and input from the community.
NBISD had initially planned to approve its first book list under the new rules during its October meeting. The list, which contained over 11,000 titles, was posted for public review but has since been taken down.
District Pauses New Book Acquisitions
Superintendent Laurelyn Arterbury addressed the board on Monday, explaining the decision to delay the approval of new library materials. She cited the complexity of SB13 as the primary reason for needing more time.
"NBISD is committed to full compliance with state laws, and due to the importance and complexity of Senate Bill 13, we’re requesting additional time to review our process for the acquisition and/or donation of library materials," Arterbury said.
She confirmed that the October 2025 book order list was removed from the district's website and that no new materials would be considered for approval this month. Arterbury assured the community that input received so far would be utilized as the district finalizes its new review process.
The administration is currently developing a new procedure to screen potential library materials for any content that might violate SB13. According to Arterbury, this process will be in place before any future book lists are presented to the board for consideration and public comment.
The district has not provided a specific timeline for when the review of the existing 50,000 titles will be completed or when secondary students will regain access to their school libraries.