Statement of Concern About Library Materials

The purchase and selection of library materials by the library is a public matter. The collection is curated to reflect the educational, informational and recreational needs and interests of all library users. Purchases are intended to strengthen the collection as a whole, and the public has a right to request resources for purchase or share their purchase concerns with the library.

The choice of library materials by a library user is an individual matter. While a person is free to reject materials for oneself, they may not restrict the freedom to choose those materials by other library users. The Swansea Free Public Library recognizes that certain materials are controversial and that any given item may offend some library users. 

Responsibility for supervising children’s use of the library and library materials rests with parents or legal guardians. At no time will the library staff act in loco parentis. Selection of library material will not be inhibited by the possibility that materials may come into the possession of children.

Library users have the right to express concerns about library resources and have their objection taken seriously. A library user who has concerns with library materials is encouraged to discuss them with library staff. If the library user is not satisfied with informal conversation with library staff, a formal Statement of Concern About Library Resources may be made. 

The Library Director will review the resource, evaluate the original decision and current community needs for the resource, meet with library staff and meet with the individual to review the complaint. The Director will make a written ruling on the request, based on the Swansea Free Public Library’s Collection Development policy. In this process, the principles of freedom to read, listen and view the item are defended. 

If the individual is not satisfied with the Director’s decision, the person may make a written request to the Board of Trustees. The Trustees’ decision is final.

Eligibility: To file a Statement of Concern, the requesting individual must be a member of the greater Swansea community served by the library. Anonymous submissions will not be considered.

Time limit: Any resource reconsidered under this procedure will not be the subject of a review again for a period of three years from the date of the Library Director’s receipt of the initial objection form.

User-Initiated, Library Hosted Resources

In addition, the library provides meeting space and display space for community groups and individuals to present their own content to the public. The Display/Exhibit Policy and the Meeting Rooms Use policy delineate how these spaces can be used. 

Approved by the Swansea Free Public Library Board of Trustees, August 20, 2025