Library Policies
Challenged Materials

Library Board policy as of February 14, 1990. Revised May 12, 1999; February 14, 2001; March 12, 2014; May 10, 2023.

Policies > Challenged Materials
  1. The Berlin-Peck Memorial Library has the responsibility to provide materials and information to meet the needs and interests of the diverse population of the public it serves. Collection development is carried out by professional librarians under the guidance of carefully established selection policies based upon the needs of user groups, service objectives, collection specifications, and current selection needs. The Library firmly endorses the Library Bill of Rights and the Freedom to Read Statement developed by the American Library Association.
  2. The choice of library materials by users is an individual and confidential matter. Responsibility for the reading materials of children and teens rests solely with their parents and legal guardians. While a person may reject materials for themself and parents may restrict access to library materials for their children, no individual has the right to exercise censorship or to restrict the freedom to read of others.
  3. If a cardholder wishes to discuss material in the library collection, the library Circulation staff should refer a patron to the Head of Children’s & Teen Services, Head of Circulation, Head of Adult Services, or the Library Director, depending on the material.
  4. Requests for reconsideration will be accepted only from Berlin Peck Memorial Library cardholders regarding items owned by Berlin Peck Memorial Library. Cardholders wishing reconsideration of library materials should complete the “Berlin Peck Memorial Library Cardholder Request for Reconsideration of Library Materials” form. This form is available at all points of service including the Circulation desk, Children’s desk, and Reference desk.
  5. The Department Heads will examine the submitted form and review the material in question using the cardholder’s request, published reviews, and the library’s policy for materials selection. After deciding whether the item in question meets the criteria for inclusion in the library’s collection, they will provide a written report with any recommendations to the Library Board.
  6. The cardholder’s request and department head’s written report and recommendation will be reviewed by a committee of Library Board members and the Library Director. The Library Board has final authority. The Library Director will notify the patron in writing of the library’s decision within 90 calendar days.
  7. If the cardholder wishes to appeal, they should submit the concern in writing to the Library Director. The Library Director will respond within 30 calendar days.
  8. Cardholders who are not satisfied with the disposition of an appeal may ask the Library Director to place their concern on the Library Board Agenda, or they may address the Board during a regular meeting time under the agenda item Audience of Citizens. The Board, after receiving public testimony from the cardholder and from the Library Director, will decide if Library policies have been followed. The Board will have 90 calendar days to respond to the concern in writing.