New Braunfels, TX, October 19, 2025
News Summary
The New Braunfels Independent School District has announced the closure of all secondary school libraries to comply with Texas Senate Bill 13, which mandates the removal of certain types of content. The school board decided to keep control of the decision-making process regarding library materials, opting not to use the parent-led advisory councils. The district’s library services for elementary schools will continue uninterrupted during the review of materials. This closure reflects a growing trend across Texas as institutions respond to similar legislative changes.
New Braunfels, Texas – The New Braunfels Independent School District (NBISD) has closed all secondary school libraries, affecting middle and high school students, as of October 13, 2025. This decision, made during a school board meeting, aims to ensure compliance with Texas Senate Bill 13 (SB 13), which regulates library collections.
SB 13 requires school libraries to eliminate what it terms as “harmful material,” “indecent content,” and “profane content.” However, the bill does not provide legal definitions for these terms, leaving room for interpretation and enforcement. Under the legislation, local school boards or parent-led committees known as School Library Advisory Councils (SLAC) can determine which materials are suitable. However, NBISD has decided to keep this decision-making process within the school board, opting against the SLAC approach.
The district boasts a collection of over 195,000 books, with secondary schools housing more than 50,000 titles. In light of the new regulations, the school board has initiated a comprehensive review of all library materials to identify and remove items that could be seen as violations of SB 13. Currently, library services for elementary schools will continue without interruption during this review. However, no specific timeline or framework has been announced regarding when the secondary libraries may reopen.
The closure is indicative of a broader trend across Texas, where public institutions are adjusting to similar laws that impact library access. Advocacy groups have urged individuals to monitor library catalogs for any banned books and to provide feedback to the school board on the closures. The next school board meeting is scheduled for November 10, and the district’s actions highlight the ongoing tension between legislative actions and intellectual freedom in educational environments.
Context and Implications
In recent years, numerous states have implemented legislation regarding the content available in educational and public libraries, reflecting a growing national discourse surrounding the regulation of materials deemed inappropriate or harmful. As school districts navigate these laws, the delicate balance between protecting students and preserving access to diverse information remains a contentious issue.
Key Features of the NBISD Library Closures
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Closure Date | October 13, 2025 |
| Legislation | Texas Senate Bill 13 (SB 13) |
| Number of Books Affected | Over 50,000 titles in secondary schools |
| Review Status | Comprehensive review initiated |
| Next School Board Meeting | November 10 |
Timeline of Events
| Date/Time | Event | Status/Source |
|---|---|---|
| October 13, 2025 | NBISD School Board Meeting | Decision made to close secondary libraries |
| October 2025 | Initiation of Library Collection Review | Ongoing |
| November 10, 2025 | Next School Board Meeting | Upcoming |
Statistics
Total Books: 195,000
Secondary School Books: 50,000+
What is the New Braunfels Independent School District’s recent action regarding library closures?
The New Braunfels Independent School District (NBISD) closed all secondary school libraries for middle and high schoolers on October 13, 2025, during a school board meeting as part of compliance with Texas Senate Bill 13 (SB 13).
What does Texas Senate Bill 13 (SB 13) require?
SB 13 mandates that school libraries eliminate “harmful material,” “indecent content,” and “profane content,” though it does not provide legal definitions for these terms.
What decision did NBISD make regarding the School Library Advisory Councils?
NBISD opted to keep decision-making regarding library materials with the school board instead of utilizing the parent-led School Library Advisory Councils (SLAC).
How many books does NBISD have in its collection?
The district holds a collection of over 195,000 books, with secondary schools housing more than 50,000 titles.
Will elementary school libraries continue to operate during the review?
Yes, services for elementary school libraries will continue without interruption during the review.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Additional Resources
- Book Riot: NBISD Library Closures
- Wikipedia: New Braunfels, Texas
- Community Impact: NBISD Pauses Library Services
- Google Search: Texas SB 13 2025
- News 4 San Antonio: NBISD Pay Raises
- Google Scholar: Library Closures Texas
- Community Impact: NBISD Accountability Ratings
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Texas Education Laws
- Community Impact: High School Reconstruction
- Google News: NBISD Library Closure
Author: STAFF HERE SAN ANTONIO WRITER
The SAN ANTONIO STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERESanAntonio.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in San Antonio, Bexar County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Fiesta San Antonio, San Antonio Stock Show & Rodeo, and Dia de los Muertos. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater San Antonio Chamber of Commerce and United Way of San Antonio and Bexar County, plus leading businesses in retail, insurance, and energy that power the local economy such as H-E-B, USAA, and Valero Energy. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAustinTX.com, HERECollegeStation.com, HEREDallas.com, and HEREHouston.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Texas's dynamic landscape.
