Any
individual may reject materials for himself but may not restrict the freedom of
others to read.
Whenever
library material is challenged, it will be reexamined by the Library Director
and, when necessary, referred by the Director to the Board of Trustees; if the
material meets the criteria of the materials selection and collection
development policy, it shall not be removed from the collection except by court
order.
When
materials are challenged library staff will:
Treat complaints
with dignity and courtesy.
Provide a
form “Request for Reconsideration of Library Materials” (attached) to obtain a
formal complaint.
The Full
facts shall be presented to the library Board of Trustees.
Defend the
principles of freedom to read and the professional responsibility of the
library rather than the book.
Complaints
and/or objections to library materials will be considered in terms of the
Library’s materials selection policy, the principles of the Library Bill of
Rights and the Freedom to Read Statement, and the opinions of the reviewing
source(s) used in selection.
If necessary seek the support of local press and the
New York Library Association’s Intellectual Freedom Committee.
The
Complaints, and/or objections, and response will be forwarded to the Library
Director for review and relevant comments if received by a substitute in the
Director’s absence.
In the
event that the person or group registering the objection is not satisfied, a
direct meeting with the Library Director will be arranged.
If the complainant still feels that the problem has
been dealt with inadequately, a final appeal to the Board of Trustees will be
made. The Library Director will notify
and inform the Board of the details of the case before a full hearing is
scheduled.