Book Sanctuary Declaration

Resolution

RESOLUTION ADOPTING THE AMERICAN LIBRARY ASSOCIATION’S FREEDOM TO READ STATEMENT AND
DECLARING THE DEMAREST FREE PUBLIC LIBRARY AS 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 seek, receive and impart information and ideas through any media and regardless of frontiers’’;
and
WHEREAS, The Board of Trustees of Demarest 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, IT IS HEREBY RESOLVED that the Board of Trustees declares the Demarest Free Public
Library to be a Sanctuary Library. adopted 5/20/24