We are aware there is concern regarding the non-library sponsored program being held in our meeting room on Saturday, July 27, 2024.
Following the library’s meeting room policy, there is no reason to cancel this outside event at this time. The Teach-In is sponsored by Amnesty International, a nonprofit organization that followed the proper procedure to request meeting room space.
The Library’s Meeting Room Policy states: “The Library does not endorse the views expressed by any group using its meeting rooms. The Library does endorse the right of groups to express their views as long as they follow the Rules of Conduct of the Library and engage in civil discourse.” It also reiterates that “Use of the meeting room in no way implies any partnership with a community organization, business, or governmental unit or approval or endorsement of the contents and views of a program or meeting by the Red Bank Public Library.”
The Library also endorses the ALA’s Bill of Rights, which clearly states, “Libraries which make exhibit spaces and meeting rooms available to the public they serve should make such facilities available on an equitable basis, regardless of the beliefs or affiliations of individuals or groups requesting their use.”
The ALA Interpretation of this bill is also included below: “Publicly funded libraries are not obligated to provide meeting room space to the public. If libraries choose to do so, such spaces are considered designated public forums, and legal precedent holds that libraries may not exclude any group based on the subject matter to be discussed or the ideas for which the group advocates. However, if a group’s actions during a meeting disrupt or harass others in the library, library policies regarding acceptable behavior may apply. If libraries adopt policies that are perceived to restrict potentially controversial groups’ access to meeting rooms, they may face legal and financial consequences. Allowing religious groups to use library meeting rooms and spaces does not constitute a breach of the First Amendment’s Establishment Clause.”
The Library looks forward to continuing to be a place where all ideas can be exchanged freely in a safe atmosphere.