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Posted on: June 6, 2023

Library's Material Review Policy

First Regional Library Director Lori Barns shared an updated Material Review Policy with the DeSoto County Board of Supervisors on Monday, June 5, 2023.

Below are the steps involved in reviewing materials of concern.

File Book Review Form: People with concerns about a book or material can ask any librarian for the Library Material Reconsideration Form. The Form is located at the circulation desk.
Library Director Reviews Form: The Library Director will review all forms and the book/material in question. Decisions will be made based on content and merit.
1. The Director will send a letter to the patron about the results of the review.
2. Review Result: Below are the most likely outcomes of the reviews.
  - Book/Material pulled from circulation
  - Book/Material moved to different location or more appropriate section
  - Book/Material remains in current location/section
Appeal Review Decision: If the person who filed the Material Reconsideration From disagrees with the Library Director’s decision, that person can appeal to the FRL Library’s Board of Trustees.
1. The Trustees will review the material in question
2. Board of Trustees will make a final decision
3. Person who filed the appeal will be notified of the decision

First Regional Library has added signage in all libraries that states; “Parents or guardians are strongly encouraged to engage in the library material selection and check out process with their children in all FRL libraries.”

Additionally, librarians are making a conscience effort to be mindful of materials that are placed on display in libraries, especially in areas where patrons of all ages frequent.

Lori Barnes also updated Supervisors on FRL’s compliance with bill HB 1315 regarding youth access to electronic databases. HB 1315 restricts a student’s access to materials on databases that are deemed to be “obscene” or “sexually oriented.”

Actions taken include: