Hayward, CA Resolution

HAYWARD CITY COUNCIL

RESOLUTION NO. 03-123

RESOLUTION IN SUPPORT OF PATRON PRIVACY AND FREEDOM OF INFORMATION IN LIBRARIES AUTHORIZING THE MAYOR TO SUBMIT A LETTER IN SUPPORT OF THE FREEDOM TO READ INFORMATION ACT OF 2003 (HR 1157)

WHEREAS, the City Council of the City of Hayward is concerned about the consequence of the USA PATRIOT Act as it affects the privacy of library patrons; and

WHEREAS, federal, state, and local governments should protect the public from terrorist attacks, such as those that occurred on September 11, 2001, but should do so in a rational and deliberative fashion to ensure that any new security measure enhances public safety without impairing constitutional rights or infringing on civil liberties; and

WHEREAS, the City Council proudly values the diverse population of Hayward, including citizens of other nations whose contributions to the community are vital and is concerned about the profiling of any particular racial, ethnic, cultural, political, or religious group in investigations; and

WHEREAS, libraries, and specifically the Hayward Public Library, are a critical force for promoting the free flow of information, facilitating its distribution and protecting the privacy of those who seek information; and

WHEREAS, the Library Commission of the City of Hayward encourages library staff to educate our community, stakeholders, staff and patrons with balanced information about the USA PATRIOT Act and other recently enacted laws, regulations, and guidelines; and

WHEREAS, the City Council supports HR 1157, the Freedom to Read Protection Act, because it would protect the privacy and confidentiality of library records, while still providing law enforcement agencies access to these records.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the City Council of the City of Hayward supports the right of the public to access information and the freedom to read and reaffirms the City support for user privacy and freedom of information at the Hayward Public Library.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the City Council of the City of Hayward takes an official position in support of the Freedom to Read Protection Act (HR 1157) and authorized the Mayor to submit a letter in support of this bill.