The Board of the Frost Free Library, recognizing the diverse nature of this community and the varied backgrounds and needs of all the citizens, regardless of race, creed, gender, or political persuasion, declares as a matter of our Selection Policy that:

Book, library material, exhibit and program selection shall be vested in the director and anything so selected shall be held to be selected by the Board.

Books, library materials, exhibits, and programs shall be selected based on the interests and needs of all the people in the community.

 Selections are made by:

1.       reading reviews,

2.      reviewing patron recommendations and requests,

3.      study of professional bibliographies and lists, and/or

4.      personal examination by staff.

No library materials, exhibit or program shall be excluded because of the race, creed, gender, political or social view of the work's presenter.

Collected formats

The Frost Free Library strives to collect materials in the formats most requested by patrons and of best use to the Library collection. To this end, the Library chooses to collect:

1. audio books on compact disc, rather than cassette, when the choice is available;
2. videos, both feature films and non-fiction titles, on DVD, rather than VHS;
3. books, especially classic titles, in hardcover or quality trade paperbacks;
4. children's materials in hardcover

 Intellectual Freedom

The Board believes that censorship is a purely individual matter and states that while one is personally free to reject materials of which one does not approve, one cannot exercise this right of censorship to restrict the freedom of others to read, view or participate.

As such the Board also emphasizes that the Library does not hav the authority to make decisions concerning which books, materials, exhibits, or programs children read, view, or attend.  Such authority is entirely the parent's or guardian's responsibilty. The selection of materials will not be restricted by the possibility that young people may obtain materials that their parents/guardians consider inappropriate.

 The Board adopts and declares that it will adhere to and support The Library Bill of Rights and The Freedom to Read Statement adopted by the American Library Association.  Both are included in this policy manual. The Board interprets these statements to also apply to exhibits and programs in the library.

The Board defends the freedom to read and declares that whenever censorship is involved, no book, library material, exhibit, or program shall be removed from the library save under the order of the court.

Procedures for a Patron's Complaint on Selections

Complaints of any nature must be submitted in writing, on a Request for Reconsideration of Library Material form, from a Marlborough citizen, to the Director, who will present it to the Board of Trustees, unless an agreement is reached verbally in one short, private discussion.

In any formal objections to books, library materials, exhibits or programs, a complaint form must be filled out by the complainant describing the objection exactly.  Forms are available from the Director.  Following the receipt of such a formal complaint, the Board of Trustees will arrange a hearing to include the Board, the complainant, and the Director.

Materials under consideration will remain in circulation.

Gifts

The library may receive materials or funds as gift donations.

The library accepts these gifts on the condition that their use is at the complete discretion of the Board of Trustees and/or the Director. Stipulations as to the type, condition, or timing of materials accepted may be made. All donations become the property of the Frost Free Library, which includes the organization of the Friends of the Frost Free Library.

Weeding the Library Collection

Weeding will be conducted periodically by the Director and/or Library Staff.

The criteria used in selection will also apply to the removal or replacement of materials. Each withdrawal or replacement will be judged individually with reference to standard library selection tools and catalogs, available replacements, and to the existing collection.

Exhibits and Displays

All materials to be displayed must be approved by the Library Staff. The Library Staff may choose to submit the material to the Board of Trustees for approval.

The bulletin boards and brochure displays in the foyer are maintained by the Library Staff.

Any materials promoting the sale of a product will not be displayed in the Library, unless it supports the sale of a product to support a non-profit group. 

Reviewed and approved by the Board of Trustees
April 2006