Half Price Books, the beloved Dallas-based bookstore chain with a 52-year legacy, is taking a stand against a controversial Texas bill that critics say could lead to book banning in schools and libraries.
Founded in 1972 and now operating 120 locations nationwide, the company is using its long history and reputation to push back against what it views as government overreach into literary content.
A Champion for Free Expression
Half Price Books has become a central voice in opposing Texas House Bill 1375, which would require booksellers to rate the content of every book they sell to public schools.
The company argues the bill places an undue burden on bookstores, teachers, and librarians, while threatening access to literature and learning.
“This bill doesn’t protect children — it stifles education,” said a representative for Half Price Books. “We’ve built our company on the belief that books should be accessible to all, and HB 1375 puts that principle in jeopardy.”
The bill HB1375, introduced in the Texas legislature, mandates that vendors assign ratings to books based on sexual content. If passed, non-compliant businesses could lose their ability to sell to public institutions.
