The American Library Association affirms that all libraries are
forums for information and ideas, and that the following basic policies
should guide their services.
I. 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.
II. 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.
III. Libraries should challenge censorship in the fulfillment of their responsibility to provide information and enlightenment.
IV. Libraries should cooperate with all persons and groups concerned
with resisting abridgment of free expression and free access to ideas.
V. A person’s right to use a library should not be denied or abridged because of origin, age, background, or views.
VI. 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.
VII. All people, regardless of origin, age, background, or views,
possess a right to privacy and confidentiality in their library use.
Libraries should advocate for, educate about, and protect people’s
privacy, safeguarding all library use data, including personally
identifiable information.
Adopted June 19, 1939, by the ALA Council; amended October 14, 1944;
June 18, 1948; February 2, 1961; June 27, 1967; January 23,
1980; January 29, 2019.
Inclusion of “age” reaffirmed January 23, 1996.
"Library Bill of Rights", American Library Association, June 30, 2006.