Library
Bill of Rights
of the American Library Association
The American Library Association affirms that all libraries
are forums for information and ideas, and that the following
basic policies should guide their services.
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.
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.
Libraries should challenge censorship in the fulfillment of their responsibility
to provide information and enlightenment.
Libraries should cooperate with all persons and groups concerned with resisting
abridgment of free expression and free access to ideas.
A person’s right to use a library should
not be denied or abridged because of origin, age, background,
or views.
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.
Adopted June 18, 1948. Amended February 2, 1961,
and January 23, 1980, inclusion of “age” reaffirmed
January 23, 1996, by the ALA Council.
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