Although the Library accepts responsibility for providing free access by the public to various points of view, the addition of an item to the collection in no way represents an endorsement by the Library of any theory, idea, or policy contained in it. Controversial issues may be represented in the Library as far as budget, space and availability of materials allow.
Selection is based upon the criteria cited in this policy statement. The race, religion, nationality or political views of an author, the frankness or coarseness of language, the controversial content of an item or the endorsement or disapproval of an individual or group in the community does not cause an item to be automatically included or excluded.
Children are not limited to materials in the juvenile collection. Responsibility for materials selected for or by a child must rest with the parent or legal guardian. Selection will not be inhibited by the possibility that controversial materials may come into the possession of children.
Adopted by the Board of Trustees as part of the materials selection policy are the American Library Association statements:
- The Library Bill of Rights
- The Freedom to Read Statement
- The Freedom to View Statement
Criticisms of library materials are welcomed from patrons served by the New Lenox Library District and must be in writing, using the Request for Reconsideration of Library Material form supplied by the Library. This form must be completed in full and submitted to the Executive Director who will determine the validity of the complaint and take appropriate action. Reconsideration of materials in the OMNI digital collection will be reviewed quarterly by the OMNI consortium.
If the determination of the Executive Director is unacceptable to the complainant, the complainant may take the matter before the Board of Trustees who shall make the final determination. A copy of the Request for Reconsideration of Library Material form follows General Policy – 307 Request for Reconsideration of Library Material. Copies of all requests shall be sent to all Board members for informational purpose only.
Adopted by the Board of Trustees January 10, 2005; Revised February 11, 2008; Updated December 12, 2011; Updated March 25, 2015; Updated December 11, 2017