Libraries Change Lives: Declaration for the Right to Libraries

In celebration of National Library Week May 13-19, we offer the following summary of the Declaration for the Right to Libraries introduced by the American Library Association.  A full version and a link to add your signature to the Declaration may be found at ridgefieldlibrary.org.

“In the spirit of the United States Declaration of Independence and the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, we believe that libraries are essential to a democratic society. Every day, in countless communities across our nation and the world, millions of children, students and adults use libraries to learn, grow and achieve their dreams. In addition to a vast array of books, computers and other resources, library users benefit from the expert teaching and guidance of librarians and library staff to help expand their minds and open new worlds. We declare and affirm our right to quality libraries -public, school, academic, and special – and urge you to show your support by signing your name to this Declaration for the Right to Libraries.

·         Libraries empower the individual.

·         Libraries support literacy and lifelong learning.

·         Libraries strengthen families.

·         Libraries are the great equalizer.

·         Libraries build communities.

·         Libraries protect our right to know.

·         Libraries strengthen our nation.

·         Libraries advance research and scholarship.

·         Libraries help us to better understand each other.

·         Libraries preserve our nation’s cultural heritage.”