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School libraries will be established and maintained pursuant to the regulations of the Commissioner of Education.

In order to provide the Superintendent and the library staff with guidance in the acquisition of instructional resource materials such as library books, reference materials, audiovisuals, maps, etc., the Board endorses the guidelines approved by the American Library Association.

While the Superintendent has the authority to veto any selection they deem inappropriate, final responsibility to make decisions concerning selections remains with the Board.

Complaints from parents or students regarding library materials shall be handled via a procedure established by the Superintendent and approved by the Board and contained in Regulation 1420-R. The Board shall retain final authority regarding the permanent removal of materials from the school library. The Board will not remove any library materials for the purpose of suppressing ideals but may remove materials if the Board has determined that they are vulgar or obscene or are educationally unsuitable.

On a periodic basis, the Board may authorize a review of the effectiveness of the school library's materials using the recommendations of the American Library Association. The Board may appoint an Advisory Committee including representatives of the Library Media Center, teaching and administrative staff to make recommendations regarding the evaluation of the school library program.

The expenses of the school library may be included in the annual district budget.

In the event the Board decides to join a school library system with other districts in cooperation with the local BOCES, the District will do so in accordance with the regulations of the Commissioner of Education.

Cross-ref: 1420, Complaints about Curricula or Instructional Materials

4513, Library Materials Selection

Ref:     Education Law §§274; 275; 277; 278; 279; 283; 310; 1709(8); 2503(4)(b); 2576

8 NYCRR §§90.7; 91.1; 91.2

Library Bill of Rights, American Library Association

Island Trees UFSD v. Pico, 457 U.S. 853 (1982)

Bicknell v. Vergennes Union School Board of Directors, 638 F.2d 438 (1980)

Adoption date:  December 1, 1995

Amended date: August 24, 2009

Amended date: October 2, 2023