Literary Landmark: Des Moines Public Library - Forrest Spaulding
Des Moines, Iowa.
Dedicated April 22, 2006.
Partners: Des Moines Public Library
Forrest Spaulding, Director of the Des Moines Public Library from 1917-1919 and again from 1927-1952, wrote the Library Bill of Rights adopted by the Des Moines Public Library Board November 21, 1938 and adopted by the American Library Association June 18, 1948.
First drafted by library director Forrest Spaulding in 1938, the bill was designed to speak out against the “growing intolerance, suppression of free speech and censorship affecting the rights of minorities and individuals.”
One year later, the revised document was adopted by the American Library Association. It has since evolved to include topics such as book banning, race and gender discrimination, and exhibit spaces. Based on the First Amendment, the Library Bill of Rights guides librarians in serving their communities and protecting the rights of all patrons.
Dedicated April 22, 2006. Partners: Des Moines Public Library.
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