The freedom to read is a human right, constitutionally protected by the First Amendment of the United States Constitution. Individuals have the right to free inquiry and the equally important right to form their own opinions. In Article 19th of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, it states that "everyone has the right to freedom of opinion and expression; this right includes freedom to hold opinions without interference and to seek, receive and impart information and ideas through any media and regardless of frontiers."

Books do not require readers to agree with topics or themes but instead allow readers to explore and engage with differing perspectives to form and inform their own views. Over the past several years, there has been a significant increase in censorship activities resulting in books being removed from library shelves and schools. The City of Savannah declares their opposition to the censorship of books in any form and applauds Live Oak Public Library's adoption of the Library Bill of Rights to support the freedom to read in the greater Savannah area.

Approval

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