DATE: June 21, 2022
TO: Mayor and City Council
FROM: Director of Library Services
Library Commission
SUBJECT
Title
Adopt a Resolution Affirming the City’s Support for the Library Bill of Rights, the Freedom to Read Statement, and the Freedom to View Statement
End
RECOMMENDATION
Recommendation
That Council adopts a resolution (Attachment II) affirming the City’s support for the Library Bill of Rights, Freedom to Read, and Freedom to View Statements.End
SUMMARY
The freedom to read, along with the freedom to speak, hear, and view, is protected by the First Amendment of the Constitution of the United States. In a free society, there is no place for censorship of any medium of expression. On February 28, 2022, the Library Commission unanimously affirmed its support for the Hayward Public Library’s commitment to intellectual freedom by endorsing three statements from the American Library Association: the Library Bill of Rights, The Freedom to Read Statement, and The Freedom to View Statement.
The Library Commission, along with the Library Department, respectfully asks the Mayor and City Council to adopt a resolution affirming the City’s support for the Library Bill of Rights, the Freedom to Read Statement, and the Freedom to View Statement.
ATTACHMENTS
Attachment I Staff Report
Attachment II Resolution
Attachment III Library Commission Letter of Support
Attachment IV ALA Library Bill of Rights
Attachment V ALA Freedom to Read Statement
Attachment VI ALA Freedom to View Statement