MISSION STATEMENT
Connecting our diverse community with library resources that enrich, enlighten and entertain.
Principles
The Buffalo and Erie County Public Library will:
- Provide open, equal and free access to information in accordance with the American Library Association's "Library Bill of Rights."
- Deliver timely, confidential and customer-oriented service to meet the informational, recreational and educational needs of the community.
- Promote lifelong learning by encouraging all children and adults in their enjoyment of reading and discovery.
- Contribute to the region's economic vitality by assisting individuals, businesses and government as they pursue better jobs and economic growth.
- Create and maintain an environment that attracts, develops and encourages a diverse and skilled staff.
- Listen to the entire community in pursuit of the Library’s Mission.
- Manage resources effectively and be accountable to its funding sources.
- Pursue the private and public funding necessary to fulfill the Library’s Mission.
adopted December 17, 1998
ALA Library Bill of Rights
The American Library Association affirms that all libraries are forums for information and ideas, and that the following basic policies should guide their services.
- Books and other library resources should be provided for the interest, information, and enlightenment of all people of the community the library serves. Materials should not be excluded because of the origin, background, or views of those contributing to their creation.
- Libraries should provide materials and information presenting all points of view on current and historical issues. Materials should not be proscribed or removed because of partisan or doctrinal disapproval.
- Libraries should challenge censorship in the fulfillment of their responsibility to provide information and enlightenment.
- Libraries should cooperate with all persons and groups concerned with resisting abridgment of free expression and free access to ideas.
- A person’s right to use a library should not be denied or abridged because of origin, age, background, or views.
- Libraries which make exhibit spaces and meeting rooms available to the public they serve should make such facilities available on an equitable basis, regardless of the beliefs or affiliations of individuals or groups requesting their use.
Adopted June 18, 1948.
Amended February 2, 1961, and January 23, 1980,
inclusion of "age" reaffirmed January 23, 1996, by the ALA Council.