Statement from Library Board of Victoria on Freedom of Expression and Respect

The Library Board of Victoria governs the Library and upholds its founding vision to be the people’s university – ensuring access for all to learning, knowledge and culture.

This Statement sets out the foundational commitments the Library stands for – freedom of expression, the transformative power of ideas, and the right to feel valued and heard in a respectful environment.

As a Library for all we reflect a broad spectrum of perspectives and ideas, celebrating the richness of our society.

We collaborate with people from Victoria’s diverse communities to collect, preserve and share their stories, engage in open dialogue and robust debate, curate programs, events and exhibitions and enable equitable access to knowledge.

We champion the right for everyone to freely pursue their cultural, social and economic development and enjoy the cultural rights enshrined in Victorian law.

We believe respect for others is essential to freedom of expression in civil society. That is why respectful conduct underpins everything we do.

We expect everyone we work with to share these foundational values, and to play their part in upholding them.