6.1 Intellectual Freedom
The Library’s collections reflect a commitment to intellectual freedom. Compliance with the First Amendment to the U.S. Constitution, the Civil Rights Act of 1964, and Vermont laws prohibiting discrimination in places of public accommodation shall underpin the practices and practical processes of maintaining the library’s collections.
The Library does not promote any particular beliefs or viewpoints and the presence of an item in the collection is not an endorsement of its contents. Rather, the Library presents high-quality, authoritative materials representing a diversity of opinions and points of views in a balanced collection for examination by the public.
The Library is not responsible for enforcing parental choice in using Library materials. It is the responsibility of parents or legal guardians to determine and enforce which Library materials their children, and only their own children, may read or otherwise use.
Despite the care taken to select materials appropriate for use by the community, the Library is aware that one or more persons may object to the selection of a specific item or materials on a given subject. All objections and complaints will be treated with courtesy, respect and promptness. In the event a patron wishes to protest the inclusion of a particular item in the collection, they may submit a written "Request for Reconsideration form to the Library Director on the form attached as Appendix T. The Library Director will follow the procedures outlined in the Request for Reconsideration Policy (section 3.8).
Initial Adoption Date: May 3, 1976 (first mention of Intellectual Freedom in policy statements)
Modified Date(s):
September 8, 2014 - Changes to be determined after further research
November 13, 2024 - Removed redundant language covered in the Request for Reconsideration Policy
February 12, 2025 - Added language based on VT Department of Libraries model policy.