The Indian Valley Public Library needs your support!

There is a vocal minority in our communities calling for a cut to the funding of the Indian Valley Public Library (IVPL). Their claims are based on the mistruth that the IVPL is peddling inappropriate material to children. 

The facts, from the IVPL’s Value Statement (full document available here; click “Value Statement”):

The IVPL collection does not include “pornographic" materials.

“The Library denies that any “pornographic” materials are included in its circulation and the books deemed by others as being inappropriate are designated by the above industry sources as being appropriate for circulation and they are included in the circulation of other local libraries. Despite inferences otherwise, these materials are shelved away from the children’s section. Excerpts from those publications lack critical context both in terms of the books themselves, their accessibility to children and the background of their inclusion in library circulation.”

The IVPL has an active Unattended Minor Policy.

“It is absolutely critical to note that unattended minors in the library are exceptionally rare and community members are very good at monitoring and supervising their children. Under this policy, the library staff does and will address If a minor enters the library by themselves or if a child is discovered moving through the adult section unaccompanied by an adult. This Unattended Minor Policy is currently under review by the Library Board of Trustees and additional training to library staff members on its implementation is being considered.”

The IVPL has material checkout safeguard options in place for parents/guardians.

“The IVPL currently has a process in place that acts as a failsafe to assist parents in monitoring their children’s use of library resources. Upon request, a parent can add a note to their child’s library card restricting their child from checking out specific materials the parent deems as inappropriate.”

The IVPL has a carefully curated catalog that offers a wide range of perspectives on various topics, and we wholeheartedly support this approach.  

It’s also crucial to remember that no one is compelled to read material they find objectionable. 

The funds provided by the municipalities are funded by our tax dollars and are meant to be beneficial to all, not just a few.

Should the demands of a minority of our neighbors be met, their comfort will be fulfilled but our communities will suffer.

What do we stand to lose? A cut to the IVPL budget means less staff and shorter hours, translating to:

• Loss of services: internet access for those who cannot afford it, a space where seniors and those unfamiliar with technology can get free help, a place where unemployed people can look for work.
• Loss of access to necessary services, including those who home school or attend charter schools.
• Loss of community: from meeting spaces to game nights, story time to browsing the aisles – the IVPL serves us by giving us a place to gather, build relationships, and become less lonely.
• Lower property values. Yes, communities with a strong public library enjoy higher property values.

The IVPL is so much more than just a library! In addition to the library's collection (which contains more than 105,000 items and counting), the IVPL also provides hundreds of free programs each year for children and adults, including:

• Access to internet and wireless printing; borrowing internet hotspots
• Meeting rooms where civic groups can gather, businesses can rent to host presentations, and where library programs like game and trivia nights, genealogy workshops, educational talks, and so much more take place.
• Access to museum passes, free of charge
• Exam proctoring services

How you can help:   

1. Sign this petition.
   
   
2. Spread the word – we know the community values the IVPL. Share this petition and what is going on with your circle of influence.
   
   
3. We urge our fellow community members to become aware of the positions of the people running for our local elections this November and to let your current municipal leaders know that you support the full funding of the IVPL. Email addresses of the members of your borough councils or boards of supervisors can be found on their websites.

Visit the library website – www.ivpl.org --  to learn more about their resources and offerings. Sign up to receive their email newsletters to stay up to date with their events.

Thank you.