Amending the Philadelphia Code to add to Chapter 15-500, entitled "Libraries," a new section entitled "Book Sanctuaries" to ensure unrestricted access to books and information and to protect against censorship, all under certain terms and conditions.

Amending the Philadelphia Code to add to Chapter 15-500, entitled ”Libraries,” a new section entitled “Book Sanctuaries” to ensure unrestricted access to books and information and to protect against censorship, all under certain terms and conditions. Legislative Intent: WHEREAS, Philadelphia Public Libraries have long stood as indispensable pillars of our community and are committed to upholding the fundamental principles of freedom of expression and the right to access information amongst a vast spectrum of viewpoints, cultures, and ideas; and WHEREAS, Challenges related to book censorship and the banning of literature have surged across the nation, resulting in a diminished availability of essential works that contribute to a comprehensive education and preservation of democratic values; and WHEREAS, Every individual should have the opportunity to engage with diverse and thought-provoking content, furthering the intellectual and cultural vibrancy of our society, now therefore: THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PHILADELPHIA HEREBY ORDAINS: Section 1. Chapter 15-500 of The Philadelphia Code is hereby amended to read as follows: §15-503. Book Sanctuaries (1) Definitions (a) Book Sanctuary. A designated library or section of a library within the Free Library of Philadelphia system that is officially recognized as a safe, neutral space dedicated to the unrestricted access to books and information. (b) Free Library of Philadelphia System. The network of libraries operated by the Free Li…