RESOLUTION OF AFFIRMATION FOR

FREE PUBLIC LIBRARY SERVICES

WHEREAS, the State of Wisconsin adopted a Statute in 1872 providing that public library service shall be free to the inhabitants of those communities that establish and maintain them, and

WHEREAS, providing free access to the information people need in their daily lives and for an understanding of the world today is central to the preservation of democracy; and

WHEREAS, the information needed in the 21^st century comes in many forms and formats and no one format meets the needs of all of our citizens; and

WHEREAS, a Wisconsin Library Association goal, “Open Access” means the people of Wisconsin shall have the broadest possible access to information resources and materials; and

WHEREAS, the Winnefox Library System was established in 1976 to promote excellence in member public libraries and to work for the improvement and development of library and information services for the people of this area,

NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board of Trustees of the Winnefox Library System supports the 131-year fundamental principal of free and open access to library materials to all Wisconsin citizens; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Board of Trustees of the Winnefox Library System encourages resistance to any attempts to change the 1872 free library statute principles for free access to public libraries and information services, and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that a copy of this Resolution for Free Public Library Services be transmitted to all state and federal legislators representing constituents within the Winnefox Library System service area and to Governor Jim Doyle.

APPROVED BY VOTE OF THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES,

The 26^th day of March 2003

SIGNED BY:

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Byron Olson, Winnefox Library System Board President

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John V. Nichols, Winnefox Library System Director