Library Policies

Adult FictionHow are materials selected for the library?  

Click here to read our Collection Development Policy, updated fall 2022.

How are events and displays chosen for the library?

Click here to read our Programming and Display Policy, updated fall 2022.

INTELLECTUAL FREEDOM POLICY

The St. Peter Public Library endorses the principles of the Freedom to Read Statement, the Freedom to View Statement, and the Library Bill of Rights adopted by the American Library Association. As proclaimed in the Bill of Rights to the United States Constitution, freedom of expression, specifically the right to publish diverse opinions, is essential to the democratic form of government. A public institution committed to the principles of democracy and intellectual freedom, SPPL recognizes its obligation to provide as wide a spectrum of materials as possible.

Diverse points of view, including controversial and unorthodox subjects, are available in this collection. Inclusion in the collection does not imply library approval of or agreement with the contents. Library materials are not marked or identified to show approval or disapproval of the contents, nor are materials sequestered.

No restrictions are placed on what anyone may read, view, or listen to. Selection of materials to include in the collection will not be made on the basis of any anticipated approval or disapproval, but solely on the merits of the material in relation to building the collection and serving the needs and interests of all users. 

Individuals or groups may occasionally question the inclusion of an item in the collection because of fear or doubt about the effects of the material on impressionable persons. Although the Library understands this concern, it is the Library’s position that the risk to society is far greater if public access to ideas and information is restricted. While anyone is free to select or reject materials for themselves or their own minor children or wards, the values of one will not be imposed on the many. Parents and legal guardians have the responsibility for their child's or ward’s use of library materials.

The Library is opposed to the removal from its shelves, at the request of any individual or group, materials that have been chosen or administered according to the collection development policy.

Policy for Reconsideration of Library Materials, Programming, or Displays

The St. Peter Public Library will provide the opportunity for its residents to request reconsideration of library materials, programming, or displays. Nothing shall be removed, canceled, or reconsidered until a request is acted upon and a decision is reached.    

  1. The complainant must complete and sign a Request for Reconsideration of Library Material.                     
  2. The Library Supervisor will acknowledge the complaint in writing to the complainant within ten (10) business days.                    
  3. The Library Supervisor will submit the completed form to a committee composed of the Supervisor and other qualified staff members appointed at the discretion of the Supervisor.  This committee shall reach a decision within one month of receipt of the complaint.
  4. If the complainant is not satisfied with the findings of the committee, an appeal may be made to the Library Board at its next meeting. The decision of the Library Board is final. 

Photography, Video or Audio Recording in the Library

In order to provide all the library's patrons with the safest and most pleasant library experience, this policy is intended to protect library users who may be endangered or inconvenienced by having their photo or video image taken in the library.  

Photography or recording by the library during events for promotional use

Saint Peter Public Library staff reserves the right to photograph, film, and record library events and customers for promotional use. Participants in any library event being captured on film or by photograph will be advised in advance, verbally or through signage, that their participation in the event acts as consent to being photographed, filmed or recorded unless they otherwise clearly indicate to the contrary to library staff.  To ensure the privacy of all individuals, their images will not be identified using full names or personal identifying information without written approval from the photographed subject, parent or legal guardian.

The above policy applies only to open, public events. Closed events such as class visits would require releases and/or permissions from the supervisor of the visiting organization.

Photography or recording by members of the public or the media

In order to protect the rights and safety of individual customers and to prevent disruptions, or interference with patrons, photographing and video or audio recording on library property are restricted as follows:

  1. Under no circumstances may the public, members of the media, or library staff take photographs or record video or audio without the express permission of any library customer or staff member who would be included within the composition. In the case of minors, permission must come from the parent or legal guardian.
  2. Media are subject to the provisions of the Code of Conduct policy and may not disturb the normal operations of the library.
  3. The terms above apply to the media as well as to amateur photographers and audio/video creators.

Those not following this policy may be asked to put away their equipment or leave the facility.