Championing Intellectual Freedom
Libraries are all about intellectual freedom and protecting your First Amendment right to freely access and share information; to seek, publish, read, and express ideas (even those some consider unorthodox or unpopular). As we get ready to celebrate your right to read during 2026 Banned Books Week, we wanted to share just a few ways your library is defending your First Amendment rights.
“Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances.”
Colorado Library Law & Privacy
Poudre Libraries strictly protects your privacy as a library user. Colorado Revised Statute 24-90-119 ensures that your library record or other information that identifies you as having requested or obtained specific materials or services…or as even having used the library at all…remains confidential (except where required by law or if you explicitly consent). The law applies equally to all individuals, including minors under 18 years of age.
Why does this matter?
The law protects your intellectual freedom, personal privacy, and your right to access information without fear of monitoring or disclosure.
Collection Development
The Library maintains a Collection Development Policy to guide how we choose books and other items for the collection. Our goal is to provide a collection that is accessible, contemporary, diverse, and dynamic.
We aim to develop a collection that is responsive to the changing interests and needs of our community and which represents a broad range of subjects and points of view. We also strive to provide materials in a variety of formats, including large print, audiobooks, and digital content, so it’s accessible for everyone.
We support the right of everyone to decide which items in the collection are appropriate for their own personal use. The Library maintains that parents and guardians have the right and the responsibility to determine their minor children’s — and only their children’s — access to library resources.
Why does this matter?
Libraries defend your right to read (or not to read) whatever you want, free from interference or censorship.
Celebrate Your Right to Read
Banned Books Week Writing Workshop
Sunday, October 4
2:00 PM @ CSU Behavioral Sciences Building, Rm A101
“Judy Blume Forever” Film Screening
Sunday, October 4
3:00 PM @ CSU Behavioral Sciences Building, Rm A101
Banned Books Week Trivia Night
Monday, October 5
6:00 PM @ Mythmaker Brewing
FoCo Reading Club: Banned Books Night
Wednesday, October 7
6:00 PM @ Equinox Brewing
“Let Books Be” Party
Friday, October 9
5:30 PM @ Council Tree Library