Linwood Public Library, NJ

Libraries of all sizes and types have been under increasing pressures from persons who wish to use the library as an instrument of their own tastes and views. Such individuals and groups demand the exclusion or removal of material that does not support their views. In a multicultural society, tastes and opinions differ and some material in the library may be offensive to some patrons. The minority does not have the right to curtail free access to materials by the majority. Also, the majority does not have the right to curtail free access to materials by the minority.

In view of these facts, it seems desirable to set forth a few basic principles that may help in preserving the freedom and professional integrity of the Linwood Public Library. The basic document that explains why certain materials are part of or excluded from the collection is the Material Selection Policy. If a patron objects to material held by the library he or she may submit a “Request for Reevaluation of Library Material” (see Appendix C). In no instance will material be removed on demand. All requests to remove materials will be reviewed using the principles of the Material Selection Policy.

If a patron wishes their complaint to be acted upon, they must:

1. Be a registered patron of the Linwood Public Library.
2. Have read the entire book, viewed the entire movie, listened to the entire audiobook, etc.
3. Supply their full name and address. Anonymous complaints will not be considered.
4. File a complete “Request for Reevaluation of Library Material” with the Director.

After the completed form is received, the Director will review the reasons for the complaint and the material in question. She will attempt to answer the complaint to the patron’s satisfaction. The decision of the Director to remove or retain the material shall be final.