VII. Challenges and censorship

The Monterey Public Library supports the right to know and values full and equal access to the facility, its collections and services, and information in all formats: print, electronic, audio and visual. We value the Library as a public space for the open communication of ideas and information. The Library subscribes in principle to the American Library Association Library Bill of Rights, Freedom to Read Statement and all approved amendments and interpretations. These include but are not limited to the Free Access to Libraries for Minors and Freedom to View Statements. Copies of these documents are appended to this policy. The Library celebrates everyone's intellectual freedom and applies no restriction on the right to read, listen or view.

The Library acquires a wide variety of materials to meet the needs of the community's diverse population and to provide a balanced representation of information, ideas and viewpoints. Materials are not excluded because of an author's race, nationality, sex, sexual orientation, or political, philosophical, social or religious views.

It is expected that every Library customer and community member will disagree with some of the information and ideas contained in the Library's collection. Sometimes, however, an individual has a serious question about the selection of a title in the collection. In that case, the individual may choose to discuss this title with a librarian and/or submit a Request for Reconsideration of Library Materials. A copy of this form is included as Appendix B of this policy. When a Request for Reconsideration is submitted, the current selector for the area where the item is located reviews the request and the item and makes a recommendation to retain, remove, or relocate the item. The professional staff and the Assistant Director discuss the selector's recommendation. The Assistant Director makes a recommendation to the Library Director, who determines whether or not the item will be retained, removed, or relocated, and responds in writing within 60 days after the request is received. All selectors are informed of the final disposition of challenged materials. The Library Director's decision may be appealed to the Library Board of Trustees.

For questions concerning Library access to electronic resources which are not included in the Library collection, refer to Policy #170: Internet Access and Use.