The Haston Free Public Library fully endorses the principles documented in the Library Bill of Rights and the Freedom to Read Statement of the American Library Association. Materials available in the library present a diversity of viewpoints, enabling citizens to make the informed choices necessary in a democracy. The library also selects a wide variety of library materials that satisfy the diverse interests of our community. The library upholds the right of the individual to secure 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 the collection will appeal to everyone.
The Haston Library welcomes comments and suggestions regarding the continued appropriateness of materials in the collection, especially concerning outdated materials. Suggestions will be considered and utilized by the library in the ongoing process of collection development. Patrons who wish to request the withdrawal or reclassification of materials currently owned by the library are encouraged to discuss their concerns with the Library Director. If a patron’s concern is not satisfied through discussion with the Director, a formal, written request for reconsideration of materials may be submitted to the Board of Library Trustees. Copies of this form are available at the Main Circulation Desk or from the Director.
The Haston Library is not a judicial body. Laws governing obscenity, subversive materials, and other questionable matters are subject to interpretation by the courts. Therefore, no challenged material will be removed solely for the complaint of obscenity or any other category covered by law until after a local court of competent jurisdiction has ruled against the material. No materials will be knowingly added to the library collection that have been previously determined to be in non-compliance with local laws.
For a request for reconsideration to be considered, the form must be completed in full. The patron submitting the request must be a resident of North Brookfield and hold a valid borrower’s card. The Director will respond, in writing, within thirty days of receipt, to the patron’s request for reconsideration. The response will indicate the action to be taken and reasons for or against the request. An item will only be evaluated for reconsideration once in a 12-month period.
Approved, Haston Free Public Library Board of Trustees, 2 March 2022
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