Advocacy Tools for Libraries

Censorship and Book Challenges in Libraries

Published 1/5/2022 10:20 AM CT, Updated 3/2/2022 9:26 AM CT

Illinois Heartland Library System supports AISLE in opposing attempts to censor or remove books from school libraries. AISLE's statement reads, in part:

AISLE is opposed to any attempt to force the removal of materials from school libraries. We strongly condemn recent efforts, by force or intimidation, to remove works that focus on or document the experiences of members of the LGBTQIA+ or BIPOC communities. We oppose censorship and any effort that limits or denies access to materials to coerce belief, suppress opinion or punish those whose expression does not conform to a singular point-of-view of history, politics, or religion.

Read the Full Statement

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If you'd like to learn more about book challenges and intellectual freedom, start here:

AISLE Intellectual Freedom Resource Kit

The Time Is Now: Preparing for Challenges to Library Resources (ILA Intellectual Freedom Committee, 12/16/2021)

ALA Intellectual Freedom: Issues and Resources

ALA Statement on Book Censorship

Library Bill of Rights

Law Requires Collection Development and Recension Policies for Public Libraries

Municipal and Township Public Libraries

(75 ILCS 16/30-60)
Sec. 30-60. Resolution concerning library materials and facilities. The board of each district shall adopt, and review at least every 2 years, a resolution for the selection of library materials and the use of library materials and facilities. No employee may be disciplined or dismissed for the selection of library materials when the selection is made in good faith and in accordance with the resolution required to be adopted under this Section.
(Source: P.A. 87-1277)

District Public Libraries

(75 ILCS 5/4-7.2) (from Ch. 81, par. 4-7.2)
Sec. 4-7.2. The board of library trustees shall establish, and review at least biennially, a written policy for the selection of library materials and the use of library materials and facilities. No employee may be disciplined or dismissed for the selection of library materials when the selection is made in good faith and in accordance with the written policy required to be established pursuant to this Section.
(Source: P.A. 85-751)