From the ALA:
LIBRARIES CHANGE LIVES
Declaration for the Right to Libraries
In the spirit of the United States Declaration of Independence and the
Universal Declaration of Human Rights, we believe that libraries are
essential to a democratic society. Every day, in countless communities
across our nation and the world, millions of children, students and
adults use libraries to learn, grow and achieve their dreams. In
addition to a vast array of books, computers and other resources,
library users benefit from the expert teaching and guidance of
librarians and library staff to help expand their minds and open new
worlds. We declare and affirm our right to quality libraries -public,
school, academic, and special – and urge you to show your support by
signing your name to this Declaration for the Right to Libraries.
LIBRARIES EMPOWER THE INDIVIDUAL. Whether developing
skills to succeed in school, looking for a job, exploring possible
careers, having a baby, or planning retirement, people of all ages turn
to libraries for instruction, support, and access to computers and other
resources to help them lead better lives.
LIBRARIES SUPPORT LITERACY AND LIFELONG LEARNING. Many
children and adults learn to read at their school and public libraries
via story times, research projects, summer reading, tutoring and other
opportunities. Others come to the library to learn the technology and
information skills that help them answer their questions, discover new
interests, and share their ideas with others. LIBRARIES STRENGTHEN
FAMILIES. Families find a comfortable, welcoming space and a wealth of
resources to help them learn, grow and play together.
LIBRARIES ARE THE GREAT EQUALIZER. Libraries serve
people of every age, education level, income level, ethnicity and
physical ability. For many people, libraries provide resources that they
could not otherwise afford – resources they need to live, learn, work
and govern.
LIBRARIES BUILD COMMUNITIES. Libraries bring people
together, both in person and online, to have conversations and to learn
from and help each other. Libraries provide support for seniors,
immigrants and others with special needs.
LIBRARIES PROTECT OUR RIGHT TO KNOW. Our right to
read, seek information, and speak freely must not be taken for granted.
Libraries and librarians actively defend this most basic freedom as
guaranteed by the First Amendment.
LIBRARIES STRENGTHEN OUR NATION. The economic health
and successful governance of our nation depend on people who are
literate and informed. School, public, academic, and special libraries
support this basic right.
LIBRARIES ADVANCE RESEARCH AND SCHOLARSHIP. Knowledge
grows from knowledge. Whether doing a school assignment, seeking a cure
for cancer, pursuing an academic degree, or developing a more fuel
efficient engine, scholars and researchers of all ages depend on the
knowledge and expertise that libraries and librarians offer.
LIBRARIES HELP US TO BETTER UNDERSTAND EACH OTHER.
People from all walks of life come together at libraries to discuss
issues of common concern. Libraries provide programs, collections, and
meeting spaces to help us share and learn from our differences.
LIBRARIES PRESERVE OUR NATION’S CULTURAL HERITAGE. The
past is key to our future. Libraries collect, digitize, and preserve
original and unique historical documents that help us to better
understand our past, present and future.
