The Library Board of Trustees affirms that all libraries are forums for information and ideas, and that the following basic principles should guide their policies.
Books and other library resources should be provided for the interest, information, and enlightenment of all people of the community the library serves. Materials should not be excluded because of the origin, background, or views of those contributing to their creation.
- Flathead County Library should provide materials and information presenting all points of view on current and historical issues and will strive for institutional neutrality. Materials should not be proscribed or removed because of partisan or doctrinal disapproval.
- Flathead County Library holds censorship to be a purely individual matter and declares that while anyone is free to personally reject materials of which he or she does not approve, he or she may not exercise censorship to restrict the freedom of others.
- A person’s right to use a library should not be denied or abridged because of origin, age, background, or views.
- Flathead County Library will make meeting rooms available to the public and shall make such facilities available on an equal basis, regardless of the beliefs or affiliations of individuals or groups requesting their use. Use to be consistent with FCL Meeting Room and Patron Conduct policies.
- The library is committed to offering suitable materials in its collections for minors. (See Collection Development and Management policy)
- All practices and procedures related to this policy shall comply with local, state, and federal laws.