Missouri’s Secretary of State is proposing a new administrative rule that would restrict state funding to public libraries based on new collection development policy requirements. The rule states, in part, that "no funds received shall be used to purchase or acquire materials in any form that appeal to the prurient interest of any minor." You can read the proposed rule here.
St. Louis County Library’s Board of Trustees passed a resolution regarding the proposed rule at their meeting on November 21. You can read the resolution here.
A 30-day public comment period regarding the rule will open on Tuesday, November 15. If you are interested in submitting a comment you can do so by the methods below:
- By email to comments@sos.mo.gov. Type the proposed rule number, 15 CSR 30-200.015, in the subject field.
- By mail to Missouri Secretary of State, P.O. Box 1767, Jefferson City, MO 65102.
St. Louis County Library encourages parents and guardians to foster a love of reading, creativity, and a strong sense of imagination in their children – all of which are found in abundance at the library. The Library has an established collection development policy that supports the best interests of children, families and our patrons. We value parents’ and guardians' involvement in how their children use the library.
We believe our collection development policies serve our patrons effectively and reflect the diversity of the age, race, ethnicity, culture, education, socioeconomic level and lifestyle of the communities we serve.
The Library upholds the rights of each individual to privately read, listen to, and view the full range of published thought and ideas. The Library subscribes to the principles embodied in the Library Bill of Rights and its interpretations, Freedom to Read Statement and Freedom to View Statement adopted by the American Library Association.
We are always sensitive to any possibility of censorship and restriction of equitable access to books and other vital Library materials. We believe parents and guardians should be arbiters on what is suitable for their own children, and are wary of any third parties – including the State of Missouri – to impose those choices on others.
For 75 years, St. Louis County Library has provided resources and services to enrich individual minds, enhance lives and expand perspectives. We look forward to continuing to serve our St. Louis community.