The Canton Public Library shall be a public service agency free and available to all individuals residing and/or operating a business in the City of Canton.  This service is given to all without censorship and with no limitations or special privileges because of  race, color, religion, or national origin.

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  It is the objective of the library to provide service to children and adults in surroundings that are comfortable, friendly, and conducive to reading, using to full advantage the rich lore of the Mississippi valley area.

 

  Printed material on all subjects likely to be of concern or interest to present and potential users shall be provided.

 

  The scholarly resources of the neighboring Culver‑Stockton College Library are recognized, and the Canton Public Library is interested that each library shall complement the other.

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  The library also recognizes the good work and services provided by the state and regional libraries, and pledges itself to fullest cooperation to these and other organizations and agencies, whenever service to the community can be improved or increased.

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  The Canton Public Library fully subscribes to the principles expressed in the "Freedom to Read" statement, and the "Library Bill of Rights" adopted and endorsed by the American Library Association.