North Carolina Library Association

Statement on Acceptance and Inclusion in North Carolina libraries

Libraries and information agencies provide access to information, resources, and programs to meet the varied needs of the communities they serve. They have a responsibility to represent a broad range of views and to meet the needs of everyone in the community, including those who may be marginalized or underrepresented. An underrepresented group, by our working definition, refers to a group of people whose characteristics are fewer in numbers than the main groups of those classifications¹. Libraries and associated information agencies are interdisciplinary entities that value inclusivity and support intellectual freedom in all its forms.

Individuals have the right to intellectual freedom, confidentiality, fair and equitable access to information, selecting materials or attending programs of their choosing. Caregivers have the right to select materials, resources, and programming for their children. While feedback regarding library resources and programs is always welcome from the communities served, individuals do not have the right to deny other individuals or families access to information, resources, or programs of their choosing. Individuals have the right to feel safe coming to libraries.

We, the undersigned organizations, support intellectual freedom and the rights of individuals to access information, resources, services, and programming of their choosing through libraries and information agencies. We support ensuring libraries remain a safe place for all. We strongly condemn all forms of censorship, threats, acts of intimidation, and all aggression.

Endorsed by:

North Carolina Library Association

¹ IGI Global