Request for Reconsideration Policy
The Washington County Public Library provides a process for guests to voice concerns about materials or programs they consider objectionable or inappropriate for public consumption or attendance. Guests may request a reconsideration of material or programs by filling out a Request for Reconsideration form. For the request to be considered, the requester must:
- Have a valid Washington County Public Library card.
- Be a resident of Washington County.
- Complete the Request for Reconsideration Form in its entirety for one item/title or program only.
- Address only material or programs owned by Washington County Public Library.
To ensure an equitable and timely response, the requestor is limited to no more than five (5) active requests at a time. A separate form must be completed for each disputed item/title or program. All fields on the form must be completed in a full and meaningful way. Incomplete, cursory, duplicated forms or forms containing multiple titles will not be considered.
The Request for Reconsideration form may be submitted in writing to the Library Director. Upon receipt of a fully-completed form by a qualified guest, the Library Director will consult with the Reconsideration Committee. The formation of the committee will align with the Washington County Public Library Board of Trustees Bylaws. The committee will review the material or program for alignment with the Collection Development Policy and make a policy-based recommendation to the Library Director.
After consulting with the Reconsideration Committee, the Library Director will make a decision regarding the material or program. Within thirty (30) days of receiving the Committee’s recommendation, the Library Director will respond to the guest in writing with the action to be taken and the reasons for the decision.
Within seven (7) days of the Library Director’s decision, the requestor may appeal the Director’s decision in writing to the Library Board of Trustees. The Library Board will review the material or program in light of the Collection Development Policy and address the appeal at a scheduled Board meeting. The decision of the Board is final.
Review time may be reasonably extended due to factors such as the unavailability of materials, limited staff availability, or the prioritization of previously submitted requests. The Library is not obligated to remove any material or program requested for reconsideration during the reconsideration process, except for the purpose of examining it.
The Library reserves the right to seek an informal conversation (verbal and written exchange) between the guest and a professional librarian on staff at Washington County Public Library prior to the review process. Communication can lead to better clarity for both the guest and Library staff, and it may help the guest determine whether continuing with a formal request for reconsideration is necessary or desirable.
The guest is also responsible for abiding by the Library’s Code of Conduct Policy, and all guests are encouraged to express their concerns in a manner that is respectful.
APPROVED BY THE WASHINGTON COUNTY PUBLIC LIBRARY BOARD OF TRUSTEES ON: August 26, 2008, revised 4/25/2023; revised 2/27/2024