Expressions of Concern and Reconsideration of Materials:
The Board of Trustees has the responsibility to establish policies for the governance of the Library pursuant to Title 33, Chapter 27 of the Idaho Code. The library staff as assigned through the Library Director select library materials within the framework of the established collection development policy.
The library’s role is to provide opportunities that will allow individuals to freely examine subjects from a variety of viewpoints and make their own decisions. Bonneville County Library District does not endorse particular ideas, beliefs, or views. While patrons are free to reject for themselves what that they do not approve of, they cannot censor or restrict the freedom of access to others of materials protected by the First Amendment.
Requests for reconsideration are only accepted from Bonneville County Library District residents for Bonneville County Library District owned materials.
The Bonneville County Library District Director and the Board of Trustees are aware that patrons may take issue with the inclusion of specific items, programs, or practices, and they welcome the expression of concern by our patrons. Patron concerns will be dealt with promptly and courteously as detailed in the following process:
- The Bonneville County Library District staff will listen to the concern and assist the patron in finding a different item that interests the patron.
- After discussion with the Library staff member, a patron who requests further action will complete a “Request for Reconsideration of Library Materials” form, (available at the circulation desk) which will be submitted to the Director.
- The Director will contact the patron and schedule an appointment to discuss the completed “Request for Reconsideration of Library Materials” form.
- After the scheduled appointment, the Director will review the materials under consideration and communicate its decision to the patron in writing within 60 business days. The Director shall consider each work as a whole, and individual passages will not be treated out of context. The Director will also consider the literary merit of works recognized as classics, even though classic works may contain words or sentiments which, today, are unacceptable. No materials shall be excluded from the library’s collection solely because of coarse language or implicit or explicit treatment of certain situations, if the work is deemed a significant artistic endeavor, or if the work meets the criteria outlined in this policy.
- After the Director has made the decision, an individual or group still seeking further action may appeal the decision and will have their “Request for Reconsideration of Library Materials” form considered by the Board of Trustees at a regular meeting.
- The Board of Trustees will make a ruling on the concern and send a written response to the individual or group. The decision of the Board is final.
Request for Relocation of Library Materials from Minors:
- Any minor who obtains material, or parent or legal guardian whose child obtained material and that resides in the Library District may request a Relocation Form pursuant to Idaho Code §18-1517B.
- Once the entire form is completed and delivered to the Director, the Director will review the Request, within the framework of the applicable statute, the Library’s mission, and the Collection Development Policy. The complainant will be informed, in writing, of the final decision regarding relocation. The item in question may not be removed from its location during this process.
Request for Reconsideration and Relocation of Library Materials Form
Adopted by BCLD Board of Trustees on 6/13/2024
Revised 8/8/2024