For some, a book is just a book. For others, it can be life-changing, or controversial, or both.

When the Age-Appropriate Materials Act was signed into law by Governor Lee in 2022, it paved the way for certain book titles to be challenged and removed from both school and public libraries. Now, the debate about access, education and community values rages throughout the state.

What does book banning actually look like? Who’s making these calls — and how do they affect readers? Today, we unpack the issue, share perspectives and talk about what might be at stake when a book disappears from the shelf.

Guests:

• Bruce Barry, opinion columnist, Tennessee Lookout
• Angele Latham, First Amendment reporter, Tennessean
• Christina Soontornvat, author; state leader, Authors Against Book Bans