Challenged Materials Procedures

Adopted:  10-3-89
Amended:   11-21-00
Amended:    02-20-06

In the event that a patron of the New London Public Library requests that material which is a part of the permanent collection be withdrawn or restricted, the following procedure is to be followed.

1. The patron will be asked to complete the Statement of Concern about Library Resources form and submit it to a New London Public Library staff member. The staff member will also give the complainant a copy of the New London Public Library Selection Policy, the American Library’s Association's Bill of Rights, and the Freedom to Read statement
2. The staff member must immediately sign and date the form.  The staff member must then save the original for the Director and give a photocopy of the form to the patron.
3. The Director of the New London Public Library will then arrange an interview with the patron who filed the complaint as soon as possible. 
4. If the patron is not satisfied with the interview with the Director, he/she may request a hearing with the Executive Committee of the Board of Trustees of the New London Public Library.
5. If the issue cannot be resolved with the Executive Committee, the complainant can ask for a public hearing with the Board of Trustees of the New London Public Library.
6. Any decision made by the Board of Trustees following the interviews and/or hearing will be final.