In November, the Randolph County Library Board of Trustees upheld a fundamental principle of public libraries: that every reader deserves fair and equal access to books. By voting not to impose additional restrictions on checking out Call Me Max, the Board affirmed its commitment to intellectual freedom, parental choice, and the belief that libraries should remain welcoming, inclusive spaces for all.

We, the undersigned, support the Board and the Board’s decision.

Public libraries work because they are guided by professional librarians, thoughtful policies, and a trust in families to decide what is right for their own children. Creating barriers to a single title—any title—sets a troubling precedent. It opens the door to selective censorship and undermines the community’s confidence in a library’s role as a place where everyone can explore, learn, and discover.

The Randolph County Library belongs to all of us. Its shelves hold stories that reflect our shared history, our diverse experiences, and the many young readers who find themselves in its pages. We believe:

Parents, not politics, should guide children’s reading choices.

Librarians should be trusted to apply their professional training and longstanding collection policies.
No individual book should face unique obstacles simply because someone disagrees with its content.
By standing firm, the Library Board protected an important community value: the freedom to read.

We ask our neighbors, community leaders, and supporters of public libraries everywhere to join us in thanking the Randolph County Library Board of Trustees for their fairness, courage, and dedication to serving all residents of Randolph County.

Please add your name to show your support.