Library Bill of Rights

The Library Bill of Rights, based on the First Amendment, was written by Forrest Spaulding in 1938 in response to “growing intolerance, suppression of free speech and censorship affecting the rights of minorities and individuals.”. 

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.
I.
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.
II.
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.
III.
Libraries should challenge censorship in the fulfillment of
their responsibility to provide information and
enlightenment.
IV.
Libraries should cooperate with all persons and groups
concerned with resisting abridgment of free expression and
free access to ideas.
V.
A person’s right to use a library should not be denied or
abridged because of origin, age, background, or views.
VI.
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.
VII.
All people, regardless of origin, age, background, or views, possess a right to privacy and confidentiality in their library use. Libraries should advocate for, educate about, and protect people’s privacy, safeguarding all library use data, including personally identifiable information.

Adopted June 19, 1939, by the ALA Council;
amended October 14, 1944; June 18, 1948; February 2, 1961; June 27, 1967; January 23, 1980;
inclusion of “age” reaffirmed January 23, 1996, January 29, 2019.