Library Bill of Rights

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 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 on an equitable basis, regardless of the beliefs or

affiliations of individuals or groups requesting their use.

Adopted June 18, 1948; amended February 2, 1961, and January 23,

1980, by the ALA Council.

Information provider:

[Made available by permission of the American Library Association.]