Book Complaints: Derry Public Library

Emma Rubin filed this request with the Derry Public Library of Derry, NH.
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Completed

Communications

From: Emma Rubin

To Whom It May Concern:

Pursuant to the New Hampshire Right to Know Law, I hereby request the following records:

Copies of written and electronic complaints and challenges for removal, reclassification, or other reconsideration of instructional and library materials including books, ebooks, and audiobooks from January 1, 2000 (or as early as available) to the present, as well as records, petitions, correspondence, and the outcomes related to these challenges. These complaint forms may be categorized as “Request for reconsideration of materials” or “Request for review of building level recommendation”. These are sometimes referred to as “book challenges.”

As we believe these records will benefit the public interest and inform public understanding of book challenges across the U.S., we request any fees associated with this request be waived. We are planning to make our findings publicly available. If fees cannot be waived, please inform me in advance. Please know that I am a member of the media, and this request is not being made for commercial purposes.

If possible, I would appreciate the corresponding records shared via email with text documents or clear PDFs. If you cannot reply electronically, please let me know and I can provide a mailing address. If you expect a significant delay in responding to this request, please contact me with information about when I might expect copies or the ability to inspect the requested records.

Thank you in advance for your anticipated cooperation in this matter. I look forward to receiving your response to this request within 5 business days, as the statute requires.

Sincerely,

Emma Rubin

From: Derry Public Library

Hello Emma,

Please find attached the Derry Public Library's "[c]opies of written and electronic complaints and challenges for removal, reclassification, or other reconsideration of instructional and library materials including books, ebooks, and audiobooks from January 1, 2000 (or as early as available) to the present, as well as records, petitions, correspondence, and the outcomes related to these challenges." The attached .pdf scan represents everything in the Derry Public Library's possession relating to such complaints/challenges.

Just as a heads-up, it was quite challenging to meet this deadline given the timing of the request, just before the Thanksgiving break. If requests were submitted to other NH libraries with fewer available staff, I wouldn't be at all surprised if they can't meet this timeframe.

If you need clarification or need to communicate with me for any reason, please reach out to me directly at my email : erics@derrypl.org. The email that this was originally sent to is the generic library inbox.

Sincerely,

Eric Stern
DPL Director

  • 11.29.22_-_Derry_Public_Library_Requests_for_Reconsideration.pdf

From: Emma Rubin

Thanks so much for your help with this request! I really appreciate it.

Sincerely,
Emma Rubin

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  • 11/29/2022

    11.29.22_-_Derry_Public_Library_Requests_for_Reconsideration.pdf