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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Libraries should challenge censorship in the fulfillment
of their responsibility to provide information and enlightenment.
- Libraries should cooperate with all persons and
groups concerned with resisting abridgment of free expression
and free access to ideas.
A person's right to use a library should not be
denied or abridged because of origin, age, background, or views.
- 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.
Return to LPC
Library Collection Development Policy.
Email a
Librarian
Library Telephone: 925.424.1150
Library Fax: 925.606.7249
