Reconsideration of Library Resources

As part of its mission, the Estes Valley Public Library District (Library) ensures intellectual freedom for all, providing free access to Library materials, programs, displays, and exhibits (resources) through which ideas and information may be explored. The freedom to read, to hear, and to view is protected by the First Amendment to the Constitution of the United States. This freedom is upheld in the selection and accessibility of all Library resources.

The Library holds censorship to be a purely individual matter. Many topics and viewpoints are controversial, and any given resource may offend some person. While anyone is free to reject resources of which they do not approve, individuals may not restrict the freedom of inquiry for others. Resource selections for the Library will be made solely on the merits of the resource in service to patron interests.

The Library and its staff do not stand in loco parentis. Responsibility for resources selected by minors rests with their parents or legal guardians. Library selection decisions are not influenced by the possibility that resources may be accessible to minors.

Labels and spatial organization are intended to facilitate access by making it easier for users to locate resources. They are not used to restrict access. No items are sequestered except to protect them from damage or theft. 

As a publicly-funded institution accountable to its taxpayers, the Library recognizes its obligation to provide processes whereby District Residents (Patrons) may express concerns about Library resources and their disposition. To ensure that these concerns are received in good faith, handled transparently, and reviewed in a timely manner, the Library Director will:

1. Discuss the relevant selection policies with the Patron. Should the Patron desire further action the Director will review the process with them and provide a Request for Reconsideration of Library Resources Form to the Patron. 
2. Review the completed Form with Library staff who have responsibility for resource selection. The resource in question will be evaluated to ensure that Library policies were followed in the selection process.
3. Notify the Board of Trustees of Forms as they are submitted. 
4. Provide a written response to the Patron within 21 business days of the submission date. The Director may require additional time for voluminous requests. If more time is necessary, an estimated time for response will be provided.

Any Library resource under reconsideration will remain in service during the review process. The resource in question cannot be reconsidered within one calendar year from the resolution of a reconsideration request. 

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For information on the overall policy direction of the Board of Trustees to the Library Director and staff, a full listing of policies can be found on the Library website. 

The Library has adopted:

• A separate policy regarding the definition of District Patron: Patron Account Eligibility.
• The following separate policies regarding selection of and access to physical and digital materials: Collection Development and Loan Periods.
• The following separate policies regarding selection of programs, exhibits and displays: Program & Partner and Exhibit & Display.

The Estes Valley Library Reconsideration of Library Resources Policy was adopted and approved by the Estes Valley Public Library District Board of Trustees December 10, 2007, revised June 18, 2012, reviewed October 19, 2015, August 20, 2018, and April 19, 2021, and revised March 18, 2024.

Lynn Lawson, President                                Anne Dewey, Secretary

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