Haworth Municipal Library
 

Resolution Declaring Haworth Municipal Library a Book Sanctuary

 

WHEREAS, the freedom to read is a human right, constitutionally protected by the First Amendment of the United States Constitution, and individuals have the right to free inquiry and the equally important right to form their own opinions; and

 

WHEREAS, Article 19 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights states that ‘‘everyone has the right to freedom of opinion and expression; this right includes freedom to hold opinions without interference and to see, receive and impart information and ideas through any media and regardless of frontiers”, and

 

WHEREAS, the mission of the Haworth Municipal Library is to inform, educate, and enrich our community; and

 

WHEREAS, banning books and other materials from public libraries represents a loss of liberty, a step toward government censorship, and the erosion of our state’s and our nation’s commitment to freedom of expression; and

 

WHEREAS, The Board of Trustees of Haworth Public Library recognizes the Library has a responsibility to protect and promote the constitutional rights of each library patron to access and use the Library resources; and

 

WHEREAS, a sanctuary library creates a safe space for ideas and resources, especially those that have been or are in danger of being challenged:

 

NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Board of Trustees declare Haworth Municipal Library to be a Book Sanctuary Library.

 

Adopted November 18th 2024