Objective

The purpose of this policy is to affirm the Library Board’s commitment to intellectual freedom and to identify policy implications of this commitment.

Policy Statement and Details

Our staff develop collections, programs and services to meet the diverse interests and needs of the communities we serve.

Intellectual freedom is a core value for public libraries, supported by national and international library associations. Burnaby Public Library endorses the Canadian Federation of Library Associations’ Statement on Intellectual Freedom and Libraries.

This means you have a right to uncensored access to information and ideas. You are responsible for what you choose to read, view, listen to or attend, and you have a right to privacy about these choices.

Intellectual freedom also means you will find ideas and content that you find offensive, unacceptable or harmful. Some content will be in conflict with the library’s own values of equity, inclusion and decolonization. Having ideas and content in the library does not mean that the Library Board or library staff agree with or support the ideas or content.

Librarians are here to help you find credible sources of information. We welcome your feedback about library materials or services that concern you.

Last reviewed 2024-12-12

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