DATE: June 21, 2022
TO: Mayor and City Council
FROM: Library Commission
Director of Library Services
SUBJECT: 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
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.
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.
BACKGROUND AND DISCUSSION
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. Around the country, activists, school board officials, and lawmakers have been challenging books and audiovisual materials at a pace not seen in decades. The majority of Americans still favor free enterprise in ideas and expression, and want to be trusted to exercise critical judgment, recognize propaganda and misinformation, make their own decisions about what they read, view, and believe, and exercise the responsibilities that accompany this freedom. This is the bedrock of our democracy.
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. These statements, described in detail in the March 22nd letter from the Library Commission (Attachment III), include the Library Bill of Rights (Attachment IV), The Freedom to Read Statement (Attachment V), and The Freedom to View Statement (Attachment VI). The California Library Association also supports the work of library staff, and library advocates everywhere, in affirming the freedom to read, view, inquire, explore, learn, and share ideas and perspectives.
The Library Commission, along with the Library Department, respectfully asks the Mayor and City Council to support the right of all Hayward residents to unfettered access to information by adopting a resolution affirming the City’s support for the Library Bill of Rights, the Freedom to Read Statement, and the Freedom to View Statement.
STRATEGIC INITIATIVES
This agenda item is a routine operational item and does not directly relate to one of the Council’s Strategic Initiatives.
FISCAL IMPACT
There is no fiscal impact from affirming these statements.
Prepared by: Brad Olson, Management Analyst II
Recommended by: Jayanti Addleman, Director of Library Services Approved by:
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Kelly McAdoo, City Manager