Policy on the Provision and Display of Religious and Political Materials in Public Libraries in Kirklees

The European Convention on Human Rights states that;

Everyone has the right to freedom of expression. This right shall include freedom to hold opinion and to receive and impart information and ideas without interference by public authority and regardless of frontiers (Article 10).

Kirklees Council Culture and Leisure Services acknowledges and recognises the requirements of this Article and will apply it as follows with regard to religious and political materials held in its public libraries:

1. Bookstock: a collection of books representing the widest range of religious and political groups and ideas will be made available on the open shelves of the Kirklees Library subject to the usual constraints of available space. A subsidiary collection of additional materials of the type usually provided unsolicited by various groups and organisations will be held in reserve and will be made available, like other reserve collections, through the book reservation system. All materials are included in the stock catalogue which is available to members of the public. Purchasing, accepting donations and stocking of religious and political books and other materials are subject to the conditions and practices set out in the Kirklees Library Stock Management Policy: in particular any that might, by their content, be considered to incite racism, violence or any other illegal act will be excluded.
2. Information: KINFO, the local information database for Kirklees includes contacts and addresses of religious and political groups. It is available at all library service points in printed and/or electronic forms to any caller or enquirer. Any personal information is subject tot he Data Protection Act. Content will be updated annually.
3. Display of Posters and Other Materials: a vast quantity of literature is received every year. The priorities governing its display are as follows. First, any materials relating to Culture and Leisure Services and Kirklees Council. Second, local, community and regional information. Third, national posters and leaflets. Space is limited, so there is a strict limit of 4 weeks for the display of any single item. Posters and other materials providing information about religious and political activities, events and groups will be displayed in line with this established policy and within the limitations it imposes. Any materials that are likely to incite racial hatred, advocate racism or fascism or suggest an illegal act will be refused.