The library has always been a welcoming place where patrons of all ages, abilities, walks of life, races, genders and identities can access information of their choosing, and we, as librarians, remain committed to ensuring all patrons have the freedom to access information.  Libraries remain a place where all peoples, cultures, and beliefs are accepted and respected, and it is important that we, as a democratic society, uphold the rights of parents and guardians to make decisions for their children and their children alone, and we agree wholeheartedly with the “Right to Read” statement by the National Children’s Book and Literacy Alliance:

“Parents, as the primary educators of their own children, have the responsibility of ensuring that their children learn to read and of guiding them in their selection of reading materials. We recognize that there will be occasions when conscientious parents will find certain books and/or materials inappropriate for their children. We acknowledge the right of parents to restrict materials they deem objectionable, and, in the case of school assignments, to ask for alternate reading for their children, but we believe this right carries with it the obligation to respect the right of other persons to make different choices for their own children and themselves.”

• Watch it!

  • Choose a helpful video to watch with your children about respect , diversity and acceptance, and rights and preferences.

• Read about it! 

  • Find a book in your home library or head to your nearest library and pick out a book that references respect, diversity and acceptance, and rights and preferences.

• Talk about it! 

  • Discuss a time when you experienced respect or disrespect from another person whether it was your fault or another's.

• Teach about it! 

  • Explain to your child what kindness is and how they can help others understand. Be the influence!

  • Participate/Volunteer in local events with libraries, hospitals, shelters, etc. and involve your children.

• Do not be afraid to have these conversations. 

  • Show that you might be their parent first but we are also human and will provide the best advise or just listen without judgment 

• Role Play! 

  • Choose a scenario and act it out with your child. As role models to our children, acting out how to be respectful towards others allows your child to witness you in action and see an appropriate way of treating others.   

• See it to Believe it! 

We know parenting a child in the 21st century is not easy. Children now have access to vast amounts of information in an instant, and that information is not always accurate or safe, but there are ways to safeguard your children. If you have concerns about a book, website or app, talk to your librarian. They are here to assist you. Take time to learn about the website and apps your child frequently uses and talk to your child about any questions or concerns you may have. Visit websites that provide parental tips and reviews of apps, websites, movies and games, like Common Sense Media, Kids-In-Mind and Parent Previews. We're in this together.