Offering information from all viewpoints
At FVRLibraries, we know that each item in our collection, all of our programs, and even our online resources don't appeal to everyone. However, they all appeal to some of our patrons. We support offering information from all viewpoints as well as the freedom of individuals and families to make their own reading choices. We are honored to provide a diverse collection and set of services that offer A Story for Everyone.
What is censorship?
Censorship is the suppression of ideas and information that some individuals, groups, or government officials find objectionable or dangerous. Would-be censors try to use the power of the state to impose their view of what is truthful and appropriate, or offensive and objectionable, on everyone else. Censors pressure public institutions, like libraries, to suppress and remove information they judge inappropriate or dangerous from public access, so that no one else has the chance to read or view the material and make up their own minds about it. The censor wants to prejudge materials for everyone. It is no more complicated than someone saying, “Don’t let anyone read this book, or buy that magazine, or view that film, because I object to it!” – American Library Association
How censorship harms the community
Now we've defined censorship. But, did you know it harms everyone? Here are just some of the important ways limiting access to books, information, and ideas negatively impacts the whole community:
- Students can't access everything they need to learn and thoroughly complete assignments.
- Parents are denied the opportunity to use books for teachable moments about complex issues with their children and to make them comfortable meeting people who may be different from them.
- Some readers may not see themselves reflected in their library's collection.
- We lose the ability to learn about and understand the world and the people around us, inhibiting mutual trust, friendship, and peace.
Our collection at FVRLibraries
Our collection at FVRLibraries is selected and maintained by a team of librarians according to the Collection Policy written by our Board of Trustees. The term "collection" refers to the materials you see on the shelves in our libraries as well as the digital services we offer through our website and apps, including eBooks, learning tools, streaming services, and more.
The primary objectives of the FVRLibraries collection are:
- To educate and inform
- To promote the pleasure of reading
- To develop the skills and abilities needed for personal success
- To encourage and enhance personal, artistic, and intellectual growth
Our collection as a whole is intended to be a diverse source of information representing as many viewpoints as possible. Because our resources are not unlimited and additions to our collection must fit within our budget for library materials we also use other methods for meeting patron needs. including the use of electronic sources of information and borrowing from other libraries.
If you are looking for an item that FVRLibraries doesn't own, there are several ways you can ask for the item and we'll do our best to help. If the item is still being published, ask to have it added to our collection with the Request a Purchase form. For eBooks and eAudiobooks, use the Notify Me button in the Libby app. For other items not available in our catalog, magazines, and newspapers, try Interlibrary Loan and we'll attempt to borrow from another library system and send it to your local library for pickup.