“As a public institution, our mission is to serve and support all members of our community. Recently, we have received petitions both in favor of and against materials in our collection and the placement of those materials. We want to acknowledge the passion and concern expressed by community members on this issue and affirm that the library exists as a space for everyone, reflecting the diversity of perspectives, experiences and values within our community.
We understand that not all materials will resonate with every person, and that differences of opinion are part of a vibrant, democratic society. At the same time, it is our responsibility to ensure that our collection represents the breadth of voices and experiences that make up our community. Our Material Selection Policy, which is based on best practices developed by professional librarians, can be found at this link. The Board and library staff have thoughtfully developed the policy and follow it diligently in selecting library materials.
As we do on a regular basis, we will continue to review and revise our policies as needed, guided by our values of inclusivity, respect, and service to all. We encourage ongoing dialogue and welcome community input as we strive to uphold our mission.”
