3.5 Safe and inclusive libraries
Our libraries are shared, public spaces that must remain safe, welcoming, and inclusive for all users and staff. While intellectual freedom protects an individual’s right to explore and discuss a wide range of topics, it does not extend to activities that compromise safety, promote discrimination, or conflict with Libraries Tasmania policies.
Requests to deliver a program or an event, hire a meeting room or use our community noticeboard to display community information will be assessed against this Intellectual Freedom Policy, Libraries Tasmania’s Client Diversity and Inclusion Policy and specific policy provisions outlined below.
3.5.1 Programs and events
Libraries Tasmania’s role as a community resource providing opportunities for information, learning and community engagement is supported through delivery of public programs and events.
While Libraries Tasmania supports the open exchange of ideas, this must be balanced with our responsibility to ensure that programs are delivered in a manner that is lawful, respectful, inclusive and appropriate for a public setting. See the Programs and Events Policy for more information.
3.5.2 Meeting room hire
Libraries Tasmania offers meeting rooms for low-cost hire when not in use for library programs, supporting community connection, shared learning, and activities aligned with its Strategic Directions. Meeting room hire is subject to the Meeting Room Hire Policy.
Individuals, organisations, and community groups are welcome to request meeting room hire for private purposes, excluding private social events. Requests for public forums are carefully assessed based on potential risk and the applicant’s ability to meet policy requirements.
3.5.3 Community noticeboards
Libraries provide community noticeboards as a space for sharing information about local events, services, and opportunities. While supporting freedom of information, public library noticeboards feature a broad range of information relevant to the local community. We will seek to ensure a balance in the displays provided, so that over time no one viewpoint or subject is over-represented.
Information about what will and won’t be displayed, including the conditions, is available in our Display of Community Information Policy.
