A Book Sanctuary Library is a space where the right to read and access information is protected and celebrated. It’s a local commitment to uphold intellectual freedom—a foundational right in any democratic society. The first Book Sanctuary Library was launched by Chicago Public Library and the City of Chicago in 2022.

As a Book Sanctuary Library, we commit to one or more of the following actions:

• Collecting and protecting endangered or frequently challenged books
• Ensuring access to those books in our collection
• Hosting programs and events about banned and challenged books
• Educating the public about the history and impact of book bans and censorship

At Live Oak Public Libraries, we’re proud to uphold these values every day—through inclusive programming, a diverse and representative collection, and a steadfast dedication to free expression and open access for all.

Our Board of Trustees unanimously adopted a formal resolution at a public meeting on January 19, 2024, officially designating Live Oak Public Libraries as a Book Sanctuary Library. You can view the full resolution text below in the section titled “Book Sanctuary Library Resolutions.”

This resolution affirms our long-standing commitment to intellectual freedom, patron privacy, and the right to read. It reinforces our promise to stand against censorship and ensure that everyone in our community has access to the full spectrum of ideas, perspectives, and information. These values have always been part of who we are—and we believe it’s more important than ever to make that clear.

Intellectual freedom is the right of every person to seek, receive, and share information and ideas freely. It’s protected by the First Amendment of the U.S. Constitution, which guarantees freedom of speech, the press, religion, assembly, and the right to petition the government.

Not at all. Becoming a Book Sanctuary Library is a declaration of our values, not a change in policy. We continue to follow our established Collection Development Policy, which is approved by our Board of Trustees and guides how materials are selected, maintained, and made available.

We also remain fully committed to protecting patron privacy, providing open access to information, and supporting each individual’s right to choose materials for themselves and their families.

Yes. Patrons are always welcome to share concerns about library materials. We follow a clear, thoughtful review process, which includes a formal request for reconsideration as outlined in our Collection Development Policy.

As a Book Sanctuary Library, we do not support the removal or relocation of materials within the collection if those materials meet our selection standards. Decisions about our collection are made by professional library staff in accordance with policy, with oversight from our Board of Trustees.