Northland Public Library (NPL) fully endorses the principles documented in the Library Bill of Rights and the Freedom to Read Statement of the American Library Association. NPL has diverse materials reflecting differing points of view. NPL does not promulgate particular beliefs or views, nor does the selection of an item express or imply an endorsement of the author’s viewpoint. No materials should ever be excluded because of the beliefs or characteristics of the writer nor be removed from NPL because of partisan or doctrinal disapproval. NPL selects a wide variety of library materials that satisfy the diverse interests of our community. The Library upholds the right of the individual to access these resources, even though the content may be controversial, unorthodox, or unacceptable to some. The Library’s varied collection is available to all; however, it is not expected that all of the collection will appeal to everyone.
While patrons are free to reject for themselves items of which they do not approve, they cannot restrict the freedom of access to materials for others. NPL respects the rights and responsibilities of parents or guardians in determining and monitoring the use of library resources for the children under their care. While available to provide guidance on selections, library staff members are not responsible for monitoring a child’s use of and selection from library collections. The Library does not stand in loco parentis.
Patrons who have concerns, questions or complaints about an item in NPL’s collection are encouraged to discuss them with the appropriate department’s manager. If the patron is not satisfied with the response to their concerns, and the patron lives in one of NPL’s five supporting municipalities, the manager will provide the patron with a form to request formal reconsideration of the item. The request will be reviewed by a committee of library professionals who will read or review the questioned material and research reviews and evaluations within professional literature. The consensus analysis of the item and a recommendation for action will be referred to the Executive Director and an answer will be sent to the patron.
The item in question will not be removed from the collection during the reconsideration process. No items shall be removed from Northland’s collection if the Executive Director deems it appropriate for the collection. An item may not be challenged more than once every three years. NPL reserves the right to limit the number of challenges per person.
Approved 3/16/16
Rev 6/23/2020
Rev 1/23/2024
