This year, 2026, the United States is celebrating its 250th anniversary, an achievement for any nation and a good time to reflect on the values that have helped shape this country over two centuries.
One of America’s foundational principles is freedom of speech. For better or worse people have the ability to write and say what is on their mind. While there are some exceptions, freedom of speech is one of the many principles that has influenced this country. It is so important that it is the first amendment of the United States Bill of Rights: Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the government for a redress of grievances.
Well did you know that there is a separate Library Bill of Rights?
The Library Bill of Rights was first approved by the American Library Association on June 19, 1939, at their conference in San Francisco! It was modeled and inspired by Forest Spaulding (1892-1965), an intellectual activist and director of the Des Moines library in Iowa. The Library Bill of Rights was a direct response to rising book bans and censorship on librarians in the 1920’s and 30’s. The preamble to the first document stated, "Today indications in many parts of the world point to growing intolerance, suppression of free speech, and censorship affecting the rights of minorities and individuals...” (Council, p. 60).
During times when books and ideas are becoming increasingly challenged across the country it is a good to remember why libraries are important and what they stand for: access to information, equity, the freedom to read, and among many other things, to explore ideas.
While the Library Bill of Rights is not a legally binding document like the U.S. Constitution, it provides an ethical framework for libraries. It has guided library policy, supported intellectual freedom, inclusivity, and more since its inception. At MCFL we strive to help all our patrons, whether they want to become a citizen or learn more online. Make sure to stop by your local branch and show your support.
In addition to the United States 250th anniversary, it is also the ALA’s 150th anniversary this year! Check out this interactive timeline that showcases ALA events over the past 150 years.
Below are the Library Bill of Rights taken directly from the American Library Association. You can view their interpretations which examines the practical implications of the Library Bill of Rights in libraries.
I. Books and other library resources should be provided for the interest, information, and enlightenment of all people of the community the library serves. Materials should not be excluded because of the origin, background, or views of those contributing to their creation.
II. Libraries should provide materials and information presenting all points of view on current and historical issues. Materials should not be proscribed or removed because of partisan or doctrinal disapproval.
III. Libraries should challenge censorship in the fulfillment of their responsibility to provide information and enlightenment.
IV. Libraries should cooperate with all persons and groups concerned with resisting abridgment of free expression and free access to ideas.
V. A person’s right to use a library should not be denied or abridged because of origin, age, background, or views.
VI. Libraries which make exhibit spaces and meeting rooms available to the public they serve should make such facilities available on an equitable basis, regardless of the beliefs or affiliations of individuals or groups requesting their use.
VII. All people, regardless of origin, age, background, or views, possess a right to privacy and confidentiality in their library use. Libraries should advocate for, educate about, and protect people’s privacy, safeguarding all library use data, including personally identifiable information.
Adopted June 19, 1939, by the ALA Council; amended October 14, 1944; June 18, 1948; February 2, 1961; June 27, 1967; January 23, 1980; January 29, 2019.
Inclusion of “age” reaffirmed January 23, 1996.
Booklists for further reading
Librarianship & Library Science
Sources
Council. (1939). ALA bulletin, 33(11), 55–63. http://www.jstor.org/stable/25690261
American Library Association. (2010, March 1). First Library Bill of Rights? https://www.ala.org/tools/first-library-bill-rights
American Library Association. (n.d.). Library Bill of Rights. https://www.ala.org/advocacy/intfreedom/librarybill
National Archives and Records Administration. (2025, August 7). The Bill of Rights: A transcription. https://www.archives.gov/founding-docs/bill-of-rights-transcript#page-header
Contributed by Dan Oleson-Wheeler
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