Public Libraries & Censorship

I am adamantly opposed to any form of censorship that seeks to restrict access to information and ideas in our public libraries. The First Amendment of the United States Constitution guarantees our fundamental right to free speech and free expression, and this extends to the materials available in our public libraries. These institutions play a critical role in expanding the horizons of the communities they serve by providing access to a diverse range of ideas, perspectives, and knowledge.

Public libraries are cornerstones of our democracy, offering resources that educate, inform, and inspire. They serve as safe spaces where individuals can explore new ideas, learn about different cultures, and engage with information that challenges their own beliefs. The act of censoring materials in libraries undermines this essential purpose and violates the core values of intellectual freedom and open access to information.

I firmly believe that the role of public libraries is to provide a broad spectrum of materials that reflect the diversity of our society. This includes books, films, and other resources that some may find controversial or challenging. The right to choose what we read, watch, and learn should belong to individuals, not to those who seek to impose their own beliefs on the entire community through censorship.

I pledge to defend our public libraries and their right to provide comprehensive and diverse materials to their communities. I will stand against any efforts to restrict access to information or to remove materials from libraries based on the objections of a few. In a healthy democracy, we must protect the free exchange of ideas and ensure that all voices can be heard.

Censorship has no place in our public institutions, and I am committed to safeguarding the freedoms that allow our libraries to fulfill their mission of serving as gateways to knowledge and enlightenment for all.