Freedom to Read draft resolution — original pdf

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Draft "Freedom to Read" Resolution WHEREAS, open access and free inquiry are key components of a democratic society; and WHEREAS, libraries are a trusted source to which the public turns for authoritative, timely, and accurate information; and WHEREAS, the role of libraries is to collect and make available information from a wide diversity of perspectives; and WHEREAS, including materials on a particular topic or expressing a particular opinion does not connote approval or advocacy of that topic or opinion; and WHEREAS, the American Library Association (ALA) has found that the "Freedom to Read" is essential to our democracy and has issued a statement of such [https://www.ala.org/advocacy/intfreedom/freedomreadstatement]; and WHEREAS, the Austin Public Library follows generally accepted professional practices when selecting materials for inclusion in its collection; and WHEREAS, book challenges have been used to attack the Freedom to Read [https://www.ala.org/advocacy/bbooks/aboutbannedbooks]; and WHEREAS, the Austin Public Library has a materials reconsideration process that is fair, deliberative, equitable, and accessible to the public; NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE AUSTIN LIBRARY COMMISSION: The Austin Library Commission supports the ALA Freedom to Read statement and opposes book banning. BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED: The Austin Library Commission supports the Austin Public Library policy for materials selection. The Austin Library Commission supports the Austin Public Library process for reconsideration, and endorses its use for public concern of library materials. Submitted by the Freedom to Read Working Group of the Austin Library Commission.