Statement of Concern Policy

There may be occasions when a customer is concerned about a particular presentation, program, event, material, or display at or offered by the Library. In such cases, customers are encouraged to discuss their concerns with a staff member. If a customer wishes the Library to formally reconsider the inclusion, placement, or age-appropriateness of any particular offering or item, a Statement of Concerns Form may be submitted.

While any customer is free to complete the form to share comments or concerns about programs, events, displays or materials in the Library, only current Hartford Public Library card holders may request a formal review, and they must complete and sign the Statement of Concerns Form. The Library will not complete a formal review for customers who do not hold an HPL card or fully complete the form.

The President and CEO will task an ad-hoc Review Committee led by the Chief Operating Officer (COO) of no less than five HPL staff members to review the customer concern and report back to the President and CEO. A written response to the customer will be sent from the President and CEO within 30 days. During the review process, the content will remain available and no action will be taken until the review process has been completed. Content that has already been reconsidered is not subject to review again until once calendar year has passed. A summary report of reported concerns will be presented to the Board no less than annually. The President and CEO’s decision is final.

Approved by the HPL Board of Directors: April 3, 2025