The board also states that further discussion of the rejected periodicals is not allowed. Another censoring tactic.

One city council person “hates” the newspaper in question while another council person likes it. Both opinions are tolerated in our Republic but create a dilemma. In this case one person hopes to ban intellectual material from fellow patrons while the other person hopes to provide intellectual material to fellow patrons. The key to solving the dilemma peacefully in our Republic is stated in MPL policy. The key is an underpinning of our Republic. It is the FREEDOM TO READ, SPEAK, HEAR AND VIEW. The MPL claims to “adhere” to this policy but in fact does not adhere to it!

From MPL policy, Freedom to View Statement, the freedom to view, along with the freedom to speak, to hear, and to read, is protected by the First Amendment to the Constitution of the United States. In a free society, there is no place for censorship of any medium of expression.

From MPL policy — Mission. Marshalltown Public Library exists to provide residents of Marshalltown and Marshall County with materials and services that meet their needs for recreation, information, education, and cultural awareness.

From MPL policy, the patron registering the concern is welcome to attend and to address the board during public comment. If more than 10 sign into comment, the time for each is further reduced. The MPL should follow the Marshall County Supervisors example and allow five minutes minimum for comment and open dialog on agenda topics.

Light is shining brightly on the MPL’s fast and loose use of policy and avoidance of its own policy. It demonstrates disregard for patrons. It’s past time for the individuals entrusted with operating our library to compromise and accept donated subscriptions from unhappy patrons.