Statement of Concern

The role of the Huntsville-Madison County Public Library (HMCPL) is to provide opportunities that will allow individuals to freely examine subjects and make their own decisions. While customers are free to reject for themselves what they do not approve of, they cannot exercise this right of censorship to restrict the freedom of access to others.

The HMCPL board and Executive Director are aware that customers may take issue with the inclusion of specific items, programs, or practices, and they welcome the expression of concern by patrons. Patron concerns will be dealt with promptly and courteously as detailed in the following process.

Concerned patrons are encouraged to contact the library director to arrange to discuss these issues. Should that discussion prove unfeasible or fail to address the patron’s concerns, they may complete and submit a “Statement of Concern about Library Resources” form provided by the Executive Director.

The patron submitting the request must be a resident of Madison County and hold a valid borrower's card.

The following procedure will be followed when a Statement of Concern About Library Resources form is submitted:

  • The Executive Director will appoint a staff committee to study the request and determine if the material meets the Library's selection criteria. The committee will prepare a written recommendation of its findings.
  • The Executive Director will consider the committee's recommendation and will respond in writing to the person who submitted the request. The response to a request may take up to 60 days.
  • In the event the person who initiated the statement of concern is not satisfied with the decision of the Executive Director, he/she may request in writing within five (5) working days of receipt of the decision that the matter be forwarded to the Library Board for final review.
  • The Executive Director will present the statement of concern to the Library Board at its next regularly scheduled meeting. Based on the information presented, the Library Board will make a final determination of the matter.
  • The Executive Director will send a written response detailing the Board's decision to the person who submitted the request.

Updated July 2023