Community outcry over ‘exclusionary’ new policies at Kingston Frontenac Public Library

Community outcry over ‘exclusionary’ new policies at Kingston Frontenac Public Library

Salazar, Araceli

McBay, A. (2016, April 21). Community outcry over ‘exclusionary’ new policies at Kingston Frontenac Public Library. Retrieved from http://www.kingstonregion.com/news-story/6509214-community-outcry-over-exclusionary-new-policies-at-kingston-frontenac-public-library/

 

This article talks about how a community became upset at the public library system for changing words and deleting phrases from the libraries policies. Community members were also upset at how the new policy can exclude members of its community and allow staff members to check patrons personal belongings if necessary. The library defends itself by saying it’s because of health and safety reasons. The new changes were still being reviewed for approval and many hope for a better revision.

“Ryan hopes that the Library Board will take a more proactive, visionary approach. “At their best, libraries are an expression of our collective values,” she said. “The path forward for public spaces should not be exclusion.”

This article is a great read for any librarian because this is a reminder that the community is a big part of the library and little changes to policies can influence the perception of the library.