3. Books and other library resources should be provided for the interest, information, and enlightenment of all people of the community the library serves. Materials should not be excluded because of the origin, background, or views of those contributing to their creation.
4. Libraries should provide materials and information presenting all points of view on current and historical issues. Materials should not be proscribed or removed because of partisan or doctrinal disapproval.
5. Libraries should challenge censorship in the fulfillment of their responsibility to provide information and enlightenment.
6. A person’s right to use a library should not be denied or abridged because of origin, age, background, or views.
7. Libraries should cooperate with all persons and groups concerned with resisting abridgment of free expression and free access to ideas.
8. Libraries which make exhibit spaces and meeting rooms available to the public they serve should make such facilities available on an equitable basis, regardless of the beliefs or affiliations of individuals or groups requesting their use.
9. “ If we don't believe in freedom of expression for people we despise, we don't believe in it at all.” —Noam Chomsky
Greet the challenge with an acknowledgement of the issue. Ask them what the title of the book/item is. Tell them you’d like a week to read the entire book if it is in. If it isn’t in, you may need longer to get your hands on the book. Ask for their phone number so you may call them back once you’ve finished or if they want to stop in to discuss it. Ask if they have read the ENTIRE book also. When facing a challenge, it is important to read the book in its entirety so nothing is taken out of context. In that time, find reviews on the item. Contact us for help. The last thing you want to do is react immediately. They’ve come in loaded for bear and you were quietly sipping a cup of coffee while sorting through your daily e-mails. Train your board to react in the same way. They need to refer people to you. They may even offer to read the book as an act of being open to their questions. NEVER say I will talk to the librarian for you. This needs to come from the individual citizen.
Don’t forget to apply your selection policy to donations & gifts.
Porn is not illegal material. Child porn is. Statement saying the library assumes no responsibility or liability for the use of the Internet by anyone. All responsibility for a child under the age of 18 rests with the parent, guardian or caregiver.
