With so much to learn in a time of tremendous pressure and with the great need in the future for social understanding, it is vital that children today have a wide choice of the learning experiences, recreational pursuits, and meaningful adult relationships. To contribute to this choice, the services (some unique and some complementary) of both the school media center and the public library are necessary.
Therefore, it is declared that all children living in the State of Ohio should be guaranteed the following library rights from Public Libraries:
- Access to books and other materials after school, Saturdays, and summer, with special emphasis on voluntary use for personal satisfaction.
- The important preschool experience with books and storytelling to provide motivation for learning to read.
- New titles and materials kept current and collection widely diversified with advanced adult materials readily available.
- Professionally qualified librarians to offer reading guidance and friendly interest.
- Special service if exceptional in any way---gifted, mentally or physically handicapped.
- Variety programming to interpret materials and stimulate excitement for library use.
- Leadership from library-oriented adults (parents, teachers, university students, group leaders, and church workers) who have expanded their knowledge of children’s books and from community agencies that have received programming assistance.
- The placement of children’s literature with the mainstream of literature for all ages, and the opportunity to prepare for a lifetime of reading and learning in an ongoing institution.
Annual evaluation of these library rights for children will promote a continuing effort for their establishment and maintenance.