Library Mission: The mission of Manitowoc Public Library (MPL) is to promote a culture of reading and to provide access to information. Through services, we strive to foster an environment that meets the educational, recreational, and cultural needs of the community.
Purpose: This policy provides a step-by-step process for individuals to express an opinion on specific library services and ensures that concerns are handled respectfully and consistently.
The role of Manitowoc Public Library (MPL) is to provide opportunities that will allow individuals to freely examine and/or utilize resources in accordance with the American Library Association’s Library Bill of Rights, Freedom to Read, and Freedom to View statements. While individuals are free to reject for themselves what they do not approve of, they cannot exercise this right of censorship to restrict the freedom of access to others.
After reviewing MPL’s Collection Development Policy, Intellectual Freedom Policy, and Programming Policy, individuals are encouraged to contact the Library Executive Director to meet and discuss their concerns. Should that discussion prove unfeasible or fail to address the individual’s concerns, they may complete and submit a Request for Reconsideration of Library Services form.
Procedure: The Library will consider only one Request for Reconsideration at a time. Each Request may only address one item, resource, or concern. For example, one title, one author, one program, one display, etc. Once a Request has been reviewed and a decision made by the Executive Director, or the Board upon appeal, 12 months must pass before that particular item/concern will be eligible for review again. If the Executive Director concludes that a Request is redundant, they will notify the individual that the item/concern in question, having already undergone the review process, will not be reevaluated.
To request reconsideration
- Obtain a Request for Reconsideration of Library Services form from any Manitowoc Public Library service desk. (Reasonable accommodations to obtain the form will be made upon request.)
- Complete the form in its entirety and return it to the Library. The completed form will be given to the Executive Director for action.
- The Executive Director will inform the Library Board President (via email) and will contact the individual to acknowledge receipt of the form and estimated timeline for response.
- The Executive Director will review the resource or service in question in its entirety, conduct research, review applicable policies, and consider the patron statement.
- During the review process, the material will remain accessible; the program, display, policy, or event will not be cancelled.
- The Executive Director will inform the individual of the decision in a written response, inform the Library Board President that the Request is complete, and inform the full Library Board with the decision at the next monthly Library Board meeting.
To appeal: If the individual is not satisfied with the Executive Director’s response and decision, they may appeal to the MPL Board of Trustees. An appeal may include any additional information provided by the individual and attached to the notice of appeal.
- Any notice of appeal and additional information must be received by the Executive Director in writing (email or letter) within 14 days of the date of the original decision. The Executive Director will notify the Library Board President (via email) and will inform the individual of the estimated timeline for response.
- The appeal will be made an actionable Agenda item at the next monthly Library Board meeting.
- The MPL Board of Trustees will review the Executive Director’s decision to ensure that it is in accordance with this policy.
- Discussion of the decision and appeal is allowed, followed by a vote to approve or reject the Executive Director’s decision.
- Please note this Board meeting will be conducted in Open Session. The Request for Reconsideration form, the Executive Director’s research and decision, and appeal notice communication will be made public.
- The decision of the MPL Board of Trustees is final.
- The Executive Director will respond to the individual in writing with the Board’s decision.
Definitions:
Library Materials: Includes books, periodicals, pamphlets, pictures, photographs, audio recordings, films, DVDs, software, databases, microforms, posters, displays, educational toys, and any other form or format in which information and ideas may be conveyed, either existing or as may be developed.
Program(ming): A facilitated or passive activity that takes place in person or virtually and includes, but is not limited to, speakers, instruction, events, presentations, films, concerts, exhibits, displays, artwork, or other formats that support the Library’s mission.
Board Approved 2/26/2024
