The American Library Association affirms that all libraries areforums for information and ideas, and that the following basicpolicies should guide their services.

I. Books and other library resources should be provided forthe interest, information, and enlightenment of all people of thecommunity the library serves. Materials should not be excludedbecause of the origin, background, or views of those contributingto their creation.

II. Libraries should provide materials and informationpresenting all points of view on current and historical issues.Materials should not be proscribed or removed because of partisanor doctrinal disapproval.

III. Libraries should challenge censorship in the fulfillmentof their responsibility to provide information and enlightenment.

IV. Libraries should cooperate with all persons and groupsconcerned with resisting abridgment of free expression and freeaccess to ideas.

V. A person's right to use a library should not be deniedor abridged because of origin, age, background, or views.

VI. Libraries which make exhibit spaces and meeting roomsavailable to the public they serve should make such facilitiesavailable on an equitable basis, regardless of the beliefs oraffiliations 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.