The North Carolina School Library Media Association (NCSLMA), as an affiliate chapter of the American Association of School Libraries, firmly believes in the right to a student’s privacy in regards to the optional reading materials they check out from the school library. NCSLMA acknowledges that not every book is for every reader, and that parents have the right to determine what is best for their child in setting restrictions and reading parameters. However, parents do not have the right to set restrictions or reading parameters for children who are not their own. We also believe children have a right to read about topics housed in the school library that interest them, free from subjectivity.

According to NC GS 125-19 Confidentiality of Library User Records, “A library shall not disclose any library record that identifies a person as having requested or obtained specific materials, information, or services, or as otherwise having used the library.” Senate bill 49 would put school librarians in direct violation of a law that is already established. 

https://www.ncleg.gov/Laws/GeneralStatuteSections/Chapter125 

The state legislature in Senate bill 49 is also asking school librarians to violate the American Library Association Bill of Rights, which says, in part, “All people, regardless of origin, age, background, or views, possess a right to privacy and confidentiality in their library use. Libraries should advocate for, educate about, and protect people’s privacy, safeguarding all library use data, including personally identifiable information.”

NCSLMA also stands with and adheres to ALA’s statement. “When students enter a school library, two expectations of privacy should be guaranteed:

• The right to read and borrow library materials free from scrutiny regardless of age, and

• The right to seek information and have the subject of academic and personal research remain private”

The School Library is a safe place for all students, regardless of their identity, where they can come to learn about issues they may not feel comfortable asking anyone else.  We stand firmly against violating a student's right of their freedom to read the optional reading choices they select as well as against the exclusion of any type of person in the school library collection.