The Library Bill of Rights

• This ALA policy is related to the Nottawa Twp. Library's Materials Selection Policy.

The American Library Association affirms that all libraries are forums for information and ideas, and that the following basic policies should guide their services:

1. 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.
2. 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.
3. Libraries should challenge censorship in the fulfillment of their responsibility to provide information and enlightenment.
4. Libraries should on an equitable basis, regardless of the beliefs or affiliations of individuals or groups requesting their use, cooperate with all persons and groups concerned with resisting abridgment of free expression and free access to ideas.
5. A person's right to use a library should not be denied or abridged because of origin, age, background, or views.
6. Libraries which make exhibit spaces and meeting rooms available to the public they serve should make such facilities available.

Adopted June 18, 1948

Amended February 2, 1961, and January 23, 1980

Inclusion of "age" reaffirmed January 23, 1996,
By the American Library Association Council