Challenged Materials Policy
North Palm Beach Library Challenged Materials Policy
The Library believes in freedom of information for all, and does not practice censorship. The selection of
library materials is carried out under the guidance of carefully established selection policies.
The library holds censorship to be a purely individual matter and declares that while anyone is free to
reject books and other materials of which he/she does not approve, he/she may not exercise censorship to
restrict the freedom of others.
Responsibility for materials selected and read by children and adolescents rests with their parents or legal
guardians. Selection decisions are not influenced by the possibility that materials may be accessible to
minors. Materials are not labeled to show approval or disapproval or to indicate certain philosophies. No
items are sequestered except to protect them from damage or theft.
Procedures for Request for Reconsideration of Library Materials
When a patron wishes the library to discard or reclassify a book or AV item, he/she fills out the “Request
for Reconsideration of Library Materials” form. Reconsideration forms are available at the Reference and
Circulation Desk.
The form is sent to the Adult Services Librarian who will evaluate the material with reference to
the Selection Policy and check reviews pertaining to the material in question.
The Librarian will give the patron a copy of this policy and the Selection Policy.
The Library Director will appoint a committee of 3 staff members to review the request.
The committee will provide a recommendation as to whether the material was appropriately
selected under the Selection Policy.
The Library Director will review the recommendation, make the final decision, and reply to the
individual in writing.
The Library Board will be informed at the next public meeting.
If a patron is not satisfied with the decision of the Director he/she may appeal to the Library Advisory
Board.
The complaint may be either by letter or by making prior arrangements to be on the agenda of a
board meeting.
The material in question shall not be removed from use pending final action.
The Board will consider the complaint, examine the material in question, and review the
Librarian’s recommendation.
The Board will determine if the material in question meets the criteria of the library’s Selection
Policy.
The decision of the Board shall be final and shall be reported to the complainant.
The NPB Library endorses the Library Bill of Rights and the Freedom to Read Statement developed by
the American Library Association.