Linwood Public Library, NJ

Request for Removal of Materials Policy

Library Mission Statement

The mission of the public library is to provide free and open access to information, knowledge, and resources that support lifelong learning, cultural enrichment, and personal development for the community. The collection is designed to offer a wide range of materials that reflect diverse perspectives and viewpoints. 

Policy Statement

The Request for Removal policy ensures that the provisions of the Freedom to Read Act are followed and that the library’s collection responds to the local community’s needs as outlined in its mission statement.

Reason for Policy

The purpose of the policy is to provide standards for the curation of library material; establish criteria for removal of existing library material or library material selected for inclusion in the public library; and provide protection against attempts to censor library material.

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.

This policy is intended to preserve the freedom and professional integrity of the Linwood Public Library. The Collection Development Policy explains why certain materials are part of or excluded from the collection.

Definitions

Censorship. Means to block, suppress, or remove library material based on disagreement with a viewpoint, idea, or concept, or solely because an individual finds certain content offensive, but does not include limiting or restricting access to any library material deemed developmentally inappropriate for certain age groups.

Governing body. Means a board of trustees, director or other chief administrative officer, a county library commission, or board of county commissioners of a public library.

Individual with a vested interest. Any Linwood resident with a Linwood Public Library card.

Library material . Means any material, including, but not limited to, nonfiction and fiction books; magazines; reference books; supplementary titles; multimedia and digital material; software and instructional material, belonging to, on loan to, or otherwise in the custody of a public library.

Review committee

The governing body will appoint a review committee consisting of:

• At least one member of the governing body;
• A librarian employed by the library;
• A non-librarian staff member familiar with the library materials;
• A representative selected by the governing body;
• A resident serviced by the public library, provided the resident selected is not the individual who submitted the form;
• Any additional members the governing body deems necessary.

Responsibilities

Individuals with a vested interest may submit the request for removal form to the governing body of the public library in which the library material is challenged with the purpose of initiating a review of the material. A separate form must be submitted for each request.

Individuals with a vested interest must use the library’s Request form, list their name and address on the form, and must specify which sections of the library material the individual objects to and an explanation of the reasons for the objection.

The public library governing body must create a request for removal form based on the model removal form established by the State Librarian; and

• Appoint a review committee as defined in this policy.
• Review the committee’s report and make a final determination on whether the material is to be removed from the public library or limited in use. The governing body shall provide a written statement of reasons for:
  • Removal, limitation, or non-removal of a library material; and
  • Any final determination that is contrary to the recommendations of the review committee; and
  • Provide that the library material that has been shall not be subject to a subsequent challenge for at least one year.

The review committee must:

• Review the challenged materials.
• Report in writing its recommendations to the governing body on whether to remove the library material within 30 business days from the date of receiving the form.
• Provide a copy of the report to the individual with the vested interest who filed the form.

Response

The Governing body’s recommendation(s) must discuss the reasons for:

• Removal, limitation, or non-removal of a library material; and
• Any final determination that is contrary to the recommendations of the review committee, and;
• Provide that the library material that has been challenged shall not be subject to a subsequent challenge for at least one year;

Contact

Hannah Bishop, Library Director

hbishop@linwoodlibrary.com

Date adopted: 11/19/25

Date(s) revised: