Good afternoon, Dear Library Friends!

There has been much concern of late on issues surrounding intellectual freedom and censorship. I thought it a good time to share the Delray Beach Public Library’s policy on collection development and intellectual freedom:

“The Library is committed to the principle that the constitutionally protected freedoms of speech and press are enjoyed by all. To this end, the Library strives to offer a collection that represents the needs of our diverse community. The inclusion of an item in the collection does not mean that the Library endorses any theory or statement contained in those materials and resources.

While every customer may not agree with the viewpoints offered in some Library material, the Library has a responsibility to provide a balanced collection with access to material reflecting diverse ideas through which any side of a question, cause, or movement may be explored, provided that the material meets the outlined selection criteria. The balanced nature of the collection is reflected in the inclusive diversity of materials, not in an equality of numbers. Customers are free to choose what they like from the collection, to reject what they don't like, but not to restrict the freedom of others to choose.

The Library’s collection may include proselytizing works representing political, economic, moral, religious, or other vested positions when those works meet the selection criteria. Materials are not excluded because of the origin, background, or views of those contributing to their creation or because they represent a particular aspect of life, frankness of expression, or controversial subject matter.

The Library does not use labels on any material in such a way as to show approval or disapproval of the content of that material. Materials are not sequestered to show approval, disapproval, or judgment as to the suitability of content for a particular audience. The Library does not remove or obliterate ratings attached to material by a publisher, industry group or distributor. Removing or altering such ratings, if they are placed there by or with permission of the copyright holder, denies access to the complete work and the entire spectrum of ideas that the material intended to express.
 
Decisions about what materials are suitable for children should be made by the people who know them best - their parents or guardians. Selection of materials for adults is not constrained by possible exposure to children or teenagers.
 
The Library is committed to free and open access to its collections and to connecting people with the world of ideas, information, and materials they wish to explore in a friendly, nonjudgmental manner.”  - from the Delray Beach Public Library – Collection Development Policy (2023).

Thank you for reading!

If anyone has any questions or concerns, please let me know. And, as always, be safe, well-read, and happy.

Mykal Banta, Executive Director
Delray Beach Public Library
561-266-9488
[email protected]

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