Reconsideration of Materials Policy

The Boulder Junction Public Library recognizes that some materials are controversial and that any given item may offend some patrons. Selection of materials will not be made on the basis of anticipated approval or disapproval, but solely on the basis of the principles stated in the Collection Development policy. Some materials may be offensive to individuals or groups because of individual perceptions of profanity, human sexuality, social, economic, and political ideas, religious viewpoints, the background of the author, or the kind of information provided. However, these items may be meaningful and significant to other users. The library’s role is to provide materials which will allow individuals to freely examine issues and make their own decisions.

Parents or legal guardians are responsible for their children’s library material selections. Selection of library materials will not be inhibited by the possibility that materials may come into the possession of children.

Library materials will not be marked or identified to show approval or disapproval of their contents, and no library material will be sequestered except to protect it from damage or theft.

Although materials are carefully selected, there can arise differences of opinion regarding suitable materials.

Those wishing to submit a "Statement of Concern About Library Resources”:
• Must be adult Boulder Junction Public Library cardholders and residents of the library’s legal service area.
• Must have reviewed the Boulder Junction Public Library Collection Development and Maintenance Policy.
• Must have read, viewed, seen or heard the material in its entirety, not just as excerpted.
• Must pick up and fill out the “Statement of Concern about Library Resources” (Appendix A) form available at the circulation desk. Please mail or deliver the form to the attention of the Library Director.
• Should understand that only one item/title may be challenged at a time. Items which have been reviewed within the prior three year period will not be reviewed again. Multiple requests may be submitted by the same resident, but the Library Director will determine which material will be reviewed first and will conduct only one review at a time.
• Should be advised that items will remain in collection throughout the review process.

Steps that will be taken after receiving a “Statement of Concern about Library Resources”:
1. A written response stating the Library Director’s decision will be mailed within seven business days of receipt of the concern.
2. Within 30 days of the written response, if the Director’s response is found unsatisfactory, an appeal can be made to the Boulder Junction Public Library Board of Trustees.
3. Within 90 days of the filing of the written request for reconsideration, the Library Board of Trustees will review the request and take final action on it.
4. The complainant will be notified in writing of the Library Board of Trustees’ decision in the matter. Their decision is final.

Adopted July 2001
Revised May 2007
November 2020
Revised & Renamed December 2023