Intellectual Freedom Policy
Intellectual Freedom Policy
In accordance with paragraph 4 of its Mission Statement, “…to recognize and support the American Bill of Rights and the Freedom to Read statement created by the “American Library Association,” the Lisbon Library Department of the Town of Lisbon fully endorses the principles documented in the Library Bill of Rights and the Freedom to Read Statement of the American Library Association. The Library and its Library Governing Board is opposed to all attempts at censorship and support the collection to ensure all library patrons and Lisbon citizens have free access to materials. Requests for material restriction or removal will be referred to the Library Governing Board Challenged Material Subcommittee.
Patrons who wish to request the withdrawal or reclassification of materials currently owned by the Lisbon Library Department are encouraged to discuss their concerns with the Library Director. If the patron is not satisfied with the response to their request, the following procedure is to be followed:
- The patron will be given a copy of the Library Bill of Rights and a Request for Review of Library Materials Form that they may complete and submit to a staff member.
- A response will be given to the patron within 30 days.
- The challenged material will not be removed from circulation during the review process.
- The completed form will be submitted to the Library Director who will forward it to Library Governing Board’s Challenged Materials Subcommittee for their review. A member of that committee will contact the person who has filled out the challenged materials form to set up an appointment for a hearing to review the challenged material.
- A response and decision will be given to the patron within 30 days of the hearing. If the issue is not resolved, the patron may ask for a hearing with the full Library Governing Board.
Reviewed and Adopted:
Library Governing Board
October 12, 2022