In a recent move, the Trustees of the Livingston Public Library unanimously passed a resolution declaring the library a sanctuary for books. This decision was accompanied by the adoption of the American Library Association’s (ALA) “Freedom to Read” statement, aimed at safeguarding the community’s unrestricted access to information without censorship.
The resolution comes in response to escalating threats against the free flow of information and access to books. Library director Amy Babcock highlighted, in her recent newsletter, alarming statistics provided by the ALA, which documented more than 4,200 book titles targeted for censorship, and more than 1,200 demands for the censorship of library books and resources in 2023.
Book sanctuaries, as a response, collect andprotect endangered books, “making them accessible to patrons instead of banning them,” Babcock wrote.
Peggy Slatkin, co-president of the library’s Board of Trustees with Laurence Bergmann, and a member of the library’s policy committee, emphasized the necessity of protecting the library from censorship and ensuring unfettered access to information, citing similar actions taken by neighboring towns.
Bergmann added that it is a fundamental right in this country to be able to choose what you read. “Other people have no right to decide what people read,” he said.
Slatkin stressed, “We want to ensure that our library remains a safe space for people to access information without fear of censorship or reprisal.”
Livingston joins the ranks of 15 townships in New Jersey designated as book sanctuaries. The first were Hoboken and Westfield. Several of Livingston’s neighbors in Essex County, including Montclair, Millburn, and Maplewood, are also book sanctuaries.
“The designation is a response to recent censorship efforts, particularly targeting minorities and underrepresented populations,” said Cynthia Vallario, citing the importance of preserving intellectual freedom in public libraries. She is the library’s Board secretary and chairman of its policy committee, which, along with the director, investigated and implemented the resolution. Also on the committee are Peggy Slatkin and Iris Leopold.
Vallario highlighted the collaborative efforts between the Library Board and Township Council last May, when the Council passed a resolution condemning book banning “in part in response to attempts in other towns to remove or limit access to certain materials,” she said. The Council also affirmed its support of the library and the freedom of readers to select their materials.
The creation of the book sanctuary is another step in the library’s ongoing commitment to uphold the freedom to read, Vallario said. She expressed gratitude for the supportive community of Livingston, where patrons and the Council actively endorse intellectual freedoms, and the positive relationship between the schools and the library.
“Other places have been in the news for limiting access to reading materials that are controversial or objectionable, and interest in some places to censor content in schools,” she said. “Not every township is comfortable with doing something like this.”
The resolution outlines four primary strategies for ensuring access to endangered books: enabling patrons to borrow and read challenged books; ensuring that endangered books are accessible to all; organizing talks, story times and other events about banned and challenged books; and educating people about the history of book banning and burning.
In honor of the resolution, displays highlighting the freedom to read were recently put up in various sections of the library.
“No one advocates that every book is right for every reader, but people should be able to form their own opinions,” said Vallario. “If you pick up a book, and you don’t like it, then bring it back to the library. That’s a pretty simple step.”
While neither the director or the Board members interviewed could recall the library being questioned about any of its holdings, Vallario outlined a proactive approach to address potential concerns. A structured process was put in place, through the director and policy committee, a couple of years ago, for patrons to voice objections to specific materials.
One goal of that policy is to prevent outsiders from coming in and pulling books off the shelves.
“You have to be a Livingston cardholder to complain about something in the collection,” Vallario said. “You have to put in writing what you read that you don’t like and why you think it’s not appropriate. Then there is a process of review by the director, and the Board would be alerted.”
Bergmann noted that a goal of the library’s recently published strategic plan is to be very inclusive to the community.
“Make sure that the library is open to everybody,” he said.
The Resolution (24-05) can be read on the library’s website under the “About” section.
