The Castleton Public Library recognizes that some library resources may be considered controversial and that any given item, display, program, or other resource may offend some patrons. Selection of materials will be made solely on the basis of the principles stated in the Materials Selection Policy. Library resources will not be marked or identified to show approval or disapproval of their contents, and no item will be placed on closed shelves except for the express purpose of protecting it from abuse or theft. Responsibility for monitoring a child’s access to library resources rests with the parent(s) and/or legal guardian(s).
A patron who wants to request that a resource be reconsidered or withdrawn must complete the Request for Reconsideration of Library Resources Form in full and submit it to the Director. The patron should be assured that the matter will be given serious attention and that a response will be forthcoming within a reasonable time.
A panel composed of the Director, the Programming & Outreach Coordinator, and the President of CPL’s Board of Trustees will review the resource and consider the action being requested. The request will be considered in light of the following:
The Director will notify the patron in writing of the results of the reconsideration. If the library determines that no action is needed, and you disagree, you may appeal this determination within fourteen (14) calendar days by submitting a copy of your original request, and the Director’s reply, together with a statement saying “I request an appeal” to the Board of Trustees by email or mail. The CPL Board of Trustees is an all-volunteer organization that meets monthly. Therefore, any appeal will be finalized within sixty (60) days. Any work, program, or display under review will remain available until such time as the library determines it must be removed.
Once a particular title or resource has been reviewed for reconsideration and a decision has been rendered, it will not be reviewed for reconsideration on subsequent occasions.
(Adopted March 21, 2011; Last revised April 20, 2026)
A patron who wants to request that a resource be reconsidered or withdrawn must complete the Request for Reconsideration of Library Resources Form in full and submit it to the Director. The patron should be assured that the matter will be given serious attention and that a response will be forthcoming within a reasonable time.
A panel composed of the Director, the Programming & Outreach Coordinator, and the President of CPL’s Board of Trustees will review the resource and consider the action being requested. The request will be considered in light of the following:
- CPL’s Materials Selection Policy
- The principles of the ALA’s Library Bill of Rights and its Freedom to Read and Freedom to View statements
- The opinions of reviewing sources
- Any other appropriate source
The Director will notify the patron in writing of the results of the reconsideration. If the library determines that no action is needed, and you disagree, you may appeal this determination within fourteen (14) calendar days by submitting a copy of your original request, and the Director’s reply, together with a statement saying “I request an appeal” to the Board of Trustees by email or mail. The CPL Board of Trustees is an all-volunteer organization that meets monthly. Therefore, any appeal will be finalized within sixty (60) days. Any work, program, or display under review will remain available until such time as the library determines it must be removed.
Once a particular title or resource has been reviewed for reconsideration and a decision has been rendered, it will not be reviewed for reconsideration on subsequent occasions.
(Adopted March 21, 2011; Last revised April 20, 2026)
| request_to_reconsider_library_materials.pdf |
