Resolution Opposing 15 CSR 30-200.015 Library Certification Requirement for the Protection of Minors submitted by the Missouri Secretary of State

 WHEREAS, the Hannibal Free Public Library Board of Trustees believes that the right to read is an important part of the intellectual freedom that is basic to democracy;

WHEREAS, the Hannibal Free Public Library Board of Trustees upholds the belief that responsibility for a child’s reading must rest with the parent or guardian, not with the library. The library will not infringe on the parent’s right to choose materials for their children; and

WHEREAS, the Hannibal Free Public Library Board of Trustees does not support the removal of local control where library administration is concerned.

RESOLVED, that the Board of Trustees of the Hannibal Free Public Library:

1. Stands steadfast in its commitment to uphold intellectual freedom;

2. Defends a patron’s freedom to read and asserts that it is the sole right and

responsibility of the parent or guardian to determine what library material is

appropriate for their children; and

3. Affirms that policy and collection development decisions should remain at the

local level.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Board of Trustees of the Hannibal Free Public Library urges the Joint Committee on Administrative Rules to reject 15 CSR 30-200.015.

ADOPTED this thirteenth day of December 2022 

SIGNED:

J’Nelle Lee, President, Hannibal Free Public Library Board of Trustees