The library invites you to celebrate your right to read Sept. 26–Oct.4. The courts have held conclusively that you have a First Amendment right to receive information. Libraries are a popular venue for the exercise of that right. Libraries exist to provide open and objective access to information and stories to a diverse community. As one of our youngest patrons recently wrote, “different books for different people.”

In our collections, programs and services, the library fully embraces differences of opinion and the freedom to express them, even those considered to be unorthodox or unpopular. The Topeka and Shawnee County Public Library’s goal is to ensure that anyone in our community who uses the library finds something that speaks to him or her.

The freedom to choose is the cornerstone of our mission, “Topeka and Shawnee County Public Library: Your place. Stories you want, information you need, connections you seek.” We understand that there isn’t a one-size-fits-all for how people think or feel about anything. For this truly to be your place, you must be able to find what you want and need.

Feel free to use library resources to educate yourself and others about access to information and the role of your public library as guardian of that access. Information can be found on tscpl.org, ala.org, eff.org or aclu.org. Or, come in and talk to a librarian.

American Library Association Bill of Rights

The American Library Association affirms that all libraries are forums for information and ideas, and that the following basic policies should guide their services.

1. Books and other library resources should be provided for the interest, information and enlightenment of all people of the community the library serves. Materials should not be excluded because of the origin, background or views of those contributing to their creation.

Libraries should provide materials and information presenting all points of view on current and historical issues. Materials should not be proscribed or removed because of partisan or doctrinal disapproval.

Libraries should challenge censorship in the fulfillment of the responsibility to provide information and enlightenment.

Libraries should cooperate with all persons and groups concerned with resisting abridgment of free expression and free access to ideas.

A person’s right to use a library should not be denied or abridged because of origin, age, background or views.

Libraries which make exhibit spaces and meeting rooms available to the public they serve should make such facilities available on an equitable basis, regardless of the beliefs or affiliations of the individuals or groups requesting their use.