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A framed copy of the American Library Association's Library Bill of Rights is hung in the Hales Corners Library, just a few steps away from the circulation desk. It's symbolic having this famous document close to the circulation desk because this is where questions come up about who can check out what material, what groups can use the library's community meeting rooms, or why the library bought a controversial book or video. The Library Bill of Rights sets forth the basic principles that govern services, such as circulation, collection development, access to information, and the use of community meeting rooms and public bulletin boards.

Last fall the Library Bill of Rights was taken down to make room for tax forms during tax season. Before re-hanging, the document was reprinted so that it included the dates when the American Library Association revised portions of the statements and when the Hales Corners Library Board of Trustees reaffirmed their commitment to its principles.

The Library Bill of Rights was first adopted by the American Library Association on June 18, 1948. Over the years, the ALA Council has amended and reaffirmed the six principles. The Hales Corners Library Board of Trustees adopted the Library Bill of Rights on January 12, 1994 as part of the library's collection development policy but it also guides the policies on other services such as access to information, circulation of all materials to every individual, use of the community meeting rooms and public bulletin boards, and being free and open to the public.

The Hales Corners Library, open since 1976, has a long and rich history of upholding the principles stated in the Library Bill of Rights. Next time you're in the library, take a moment to read it.

Patricia Laughlin, Library Director