CENSORSHIP POLICY – FULLER PUBLIC LIBRARY

The selection of books and materials at the Fuller Public Library shall be based on the library patron’s right to read, free from censorship by others.

Selections will not be made on the basis of anticipated approval or disapproval, but solely on the merits of the individual book in relationship to the development of the library collection, and the serving of the interests and informational needs of the community.

The Fuller Public Library upholds the principle that the acquisition of knowledge and the formation of values is brought about by the opportunity to weigh and choose between different ideas and points of view. Since learning is an on-going process, it is the role of the library, as repositories of past human knowledge and current information, to provide the widest possible variety of past, current and new ideas and information.

While anyone is free to reject ideas, the library maintains that a person may not exercise censorship to restrict the freedom of others to obtain information. Suggestions for materials representing viewpoints not expressed in the library collection are always welcome.

If a patron has a specific complaint about an item in the library collection, they may fill out a written form (Request for Reconsideration of Library Materials), provided by the library, which will then be submitted to the Board of Trustees for review to determine if the work meets the selection criteria stated in this policy.

A response to the Request for Reconsideration of Library Materials form will be provided within two weeks after the next Trustee meeting.

Approved 7/2/2018, revised August 8, 2022.