Private groups and public authorities in various parts of the country are attempting to limit access to reading materials, censor content in schools, label controversial viewpoints, distribute lists of reprehensible books or authors, and purge libraries. In Fairfax, Virginia, the Frederick County Public Libraries Board of Trustees (Board) has adopted a policy to ensure that library materials are approved before being distributed or published. This policy, which has been called a community-wide “book ban policy”, replaces the school district's current policy on the five points allowed in classrooms and school libraries and instead replaces it with a 10-page list of requirements to add or remove books from schools. In accordance with Maryland state law, all computers with public Internet access at FCPL branches are filtered using commercially purchased software to block censorable material.
The Maryland public library system believes in the spirit of cooperation to provide public services to Maryland residents. During Tuesday's meeting, both opponents and supporters of the policy expressed concern that these new requirements would place an excessive burden on school staff, especially teachers, who would have to catalog their classroom libraries in addition to their daily work. Under the new policy, parents or guardians of a student, a school employee, or any resident of Hanover County can file a challenge for material found in the library or school classroom. The Frederick County Public Schools (FCPS) has a book reconsideration process that involves the submission of a request form for the reconsideration of library or educational material from Fairfax County public schools, as described in Regulation 3009. Anyone who resides in Fairfax County or the City of Fairfax, is the parent or guardian of a Fairfax County Public Schools (FCPS) student or works in Fairfax County public schools can submit this form. Frederick County Public Library meeting rooms provide an opportunity to bring together county resources and community activities. Schools offer books in their libraries that meet the needs of students and reflect the diversity found in a global society.
Contested books and other materials, such as magazines, can remain in schools until the appeal process is completed. Material to be included for distribution or publication must be sent to the library staff at each branch for approval. Material left for the public or published without the knowledge and approval of the library staff at each branch will be discarded without notice. We, as people dedicated to reading and as librarians and publishers responsible for the dissemination of ideas, want to assert the public interest in preserving the freedom of reading. To ensure that all library users have access to materials that meet their needs while also protecting their rights to privacy and intellectual freedom, it is important to understand how reserving materials from public libraries in Fairfax, Virginia works.
How To Reserve Materials From Public Libraries In Fairfax
The first step is to find out what materials are available at your local library. You can do this by visiting your local library's website or by calling them directly.Once you have identified what materials you would like to reserve, you can either fill out an online form or visit your local library in person. If you choose to fill out an online form, you will need to provide your name, address, phone number, email address and any other information requested by your local library. Once you have submitted your request form online, you will receive an email confirmation with instructions on how to pick up your reserved materials. If you choose to visit your local library in person, you will need to provide your name and address as well as any other information requested by your local library. You will then be able to browse through the available materials and select what you would like to reserve. Once you have selected your materials, you will need to fill out a reservation form which will include your name and contact information as well as any other information requested by your local library. Once you have submitted your reservation form either online or in person at your local library, you will receive an email confirmation with instructions on how to pick up your reserved materials.
You may also be asked to provide proof of identification when picking up your reserved materials.
