Tallahassee Democrat by Heather Snapp and Robin Shader
November 6, 2019
The freedom to read and access information and ideas from diverse viewpoints are essential to creating a society of informed citizens. Public libraries play a vital role in this effort to ensure that all people have access to a wide range of information, perspectives and ideas in a variety of formats so they can make informed decisions that impact their lives.
On behalf of the Florida Library Association, representing more than 1,050 members and 60 public and academic institutions, we oppose the recent position taken by the Citrus County Board of County Commissioners in its denial of the library’s electronic subscription to the New York Times. We firmly believe that all residents and library visitors should be allowed access to varying viewpoints as promised by their First Amendment rights.