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The Library Bill of Rights was originally adopted by the American Library Association (ALA) in 1939. The current policy statement was adopted by the American Library Association Council June 18, 1948. Since that time it has been amended twice, in 1961 and 1980. This statement serves as a librarian's interpretation of the First Amendment to the Constitution of the United States. Various interpretations of this statement regarding freedom to read, access to meeting rooms, access to electronic and networked information, and more can be found at the ALA Gopher Site. The ALA Office of Intellectual Freedom coordinates awareness and other programs in the area of intellectual freedom. LIBRARY BILL OF RIGHTS 1. 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. 2. 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. 3. Libraries should challenge censorship in the fulfillment of their responsibility to provide information and enlightenment. 4. Libraries should cooperate with all persons and groups concerned with resisting abridgment of free expression and free access to ideas. 5. A person's right to use a library should not be denied or abridged because of origin, age, background, or views. 6. 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.
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