What is intellectual freedom?

Intellectual freedom is your right to choose what you read, watch or listen to. It means you and your family can look for any information or ideas you want without someone stopping you. This freedom allows every person to make choices based on what they believe and think is right for them.

How does the Library protect intellectual freedom?

The Library protects intellectual freedom by offering free and equal access to all of our books, resources, and services for anyone who visits. Everyone gets the same access, regardless of their background or beliefs. Giving free access to information means no one person or group can tell you what you can or cannot choose to read. We treat everyone in our community equally and freely. We stand against censorship, which is trying to stop others from using certain information. This includes ideas that some people fi nd diffi cult, controversial or even offensive. We are here to support your basic right to think and speak freely.

Our staff works to protect intellectual freedom at the local, state and national level.

Intellectual Freedom In Action

• Our Collection

  • Everyone has an equal chance to use the materials in our Library.

  • The Library believes that choosing materials is a private matter for each person. While you are free to dislike books or materials, you cannot take away that choice from others.

  • Parents and guardians are entirely responsible for the reading or viewing choices their children make. Our staff is always ready to help parents fi nd fun, age-appropriate books and other materials for their children.

  • Our collection grows and changes over time. We choose materials to show many different points of view—even political, social, or religious ideas that some may not agree with. We know that not every item will be liked by every person. [link to collection policy]

  • When the Library chooses items, it does not mean our staff members agree with the message or the opinions inside them.

  • We use labels on shelves and materials to help you fi nd collections (like "Mystery" or "Young Adult"), but we do not use those labels to stop anyone from accessing materials or to show that staff members agree with the content.

  • We do not hide or lock away any materials unless it is to protect them from being damaged or stolen.

• Your Privacy

  • The Library keeps your information private and confi dential. This includes what you look up, what you check out, what you ask about and even the programs you attend.

  • Our staff will always be careful about your privacy.

  • The Library will share records with law enforcement when a subpoena or court order is submitted, as required by law.

  • Security video footage will be shared with law enforcement when a police report is fi led.

• Using Library Computers

  • We offer internet access because we are committed to giving you open access to information. We do not judge what you look at online, as long as it follows the law.

  • You cannot use our computers for any illegal purpose under federal, state, or local law.

  • Because Missouri and local laws ban displaying pornography or obscene material in public places, we use software to block access to websites with pornography or sexually explicit content on all computers and when using our WiFi. However, blocking software is not perfect. Parents should still watch their children's computer use while at the Library.

• Buildings and Meeting Rooms

  • The Library supports intellectual freedom in our buildings by making sure all spaces are open to everyone and managed fairly, without taking sides on any issue.

  • We provide meeting rooms for the community to meet, learn and express themselves. Access to these rooms is decided by simple things such as if the room is available, if it is safe to use and if the facility is being used correctly, not based on the group's message or opinions.

  • If a group uses a Library space, it does not mean the Library agrees with or supports that group’s opinion.

• Programs and Partnerships

  • The Library encourages a free and open sharing of ideas and information, including those that may be diffi cult or controversial. This helps us uphold intellectual freedom and access for everyone.

  • Our programs offer a wide variety of interests, ideas, and cultures. This includes talks by authors or experts with differing views, community discussions, and displays that examine complex issues. This variety helps community members think about new ideas and make their own informed decisions.

  • Library staff work to create welcoming spaces where our community can feel safe sharing thoughts without censorship or hostility.

  • When we work with community groups or schools, we do it to expand access to information and services—not to support specific points of view.

We support intellectual freedom so everyone can explore ideas, learn, and make their own choices. This is part of our mission to enable lifelong learning, enrich lives, and build a stronger community. Questions? Just ask a library staff member—we’re here to help.