Don, The ALA Intellectual Freedom Committee created an interpretation of the Library Bill of Rights on that topic fairly recently. Here's a link if you haven't seen it. http://www.ala.org/advocacy/intfreedom/librarybill/interpretations/religion Religion in American Libraries | Advocacy, Legislation & Issues<http://www.ala.org/advocacy/intfreedom/librarybill/interpretations/religion> www.ala.org The First Amendment guarantees the right of individuals to believe and practice their religion or practice no religion at all and prohibits government from establishing or endorsing a religion or religions. Thus the freedom of, for and from religion, are similarly guaranteed. There is also a Q & A on the topic. http://www.ala.org/advocacy/intfreedom/religionfaq From my brief reading of it and memory of the creation, if it's an outside group putting up the display, you need to offer the same opportunity to other groups. If they choose not to take advantage of that opportunity, that's fine, as long as it's available. Religion in American Libraries: Questions and Answers | Advocacy, Legislation & Issues<http://www.ala.org/advocacy/intfreedom/religionfaq> www.ala.org Religion, American Libraries, This Q & A provides guidance to libraries and librarians in protecting First Amendment rights to five freedoms: freedom of the press, speech, petition, assembly and religion. Courts have consistently held that for freedom of the press and speech to be meaningful, people must have the right to receive information: that is, to read, view, hear or access what they choose. In addition, the freedom of (and for) religion has been understood to include both the right of individuals to believe and practice their religion and the right of individuals and the state to be free from religion. Hope that helps! Janet T. O'Keefe Librarian Flint Public Library 1026 E. Kearsley Flint MI 48503 810-232-7111 ________________________________ From: michlib-l-bounces@mcls.org <michlib-l-bounces@mcls.org> on behalf of michlib-l-request@mcls.org <michlib-l-request@mcls.org> Sent: Thursday, June 14, 2018 12:00 PM To: michlib-l@mcls.org Subject: Michlib-l Digest, Vol 44, Issue 14 ------------------------------ Message: 9 Date: Thu, 14 Jun 2018 09:55:00 -0600 From: Don Priest <dpriest@southgate.lib.mi.us> To: michlib-l <michlib-l@mcls.org> Subject: [Michlib-l] Religion in the library Message-ID: <544464963.26771.1528991700664.JavaMail.zimbra@southgate.lib.mi.us> Content-Type: text/plain; charset="utf-8" Hi, hoping to get some feedback on a patron complaint. He took issue with a Nativity that gets put up in front of the library every year, and it's got me wondering if we're implicitly supporting one religion over another. The library isn't actually responsible for the Nativity, but it's easy to see why people would think we are. We also put up a Christmas tree every year, and though it has no religious iconography, I'm wondering if we should avoid it in the future. My research has led me to believe we're not out of line, but religion can be a touchy issue. I'm interested to hear from anyone who has fielded similar complaints, or has a deeper understanding of the issue. I'm asking around here about the Nativity, just to make sure I have all the facts. He also took issue with a Pride Month display we have up, as evil according to his religion. I'm not planning on taking that down, but if anyone has answered a similar challenge I would appreciate hearing how it went. Don Priest Southgate Veterans Memorial Library 14680 Dix-Toledo Rd. Southgate, MI 48195 734-258-3002 ext. 3003