It is the aim of the library’s collection to make available books and other materials that will enable it to meet its objectives, outlined in the long-range plan, within the constraints of budget and space.

Materials selected are chosen on how well they relate to the purposes of the library outlined in the Long Range Plan, created with public input and adopted by the Trustees. Review materials including, Library Journal, Kirkus Reviews, School Library Journal, Horn Book, and Voice of Youth Advocates will be the primary sources used to select materials since they provide some gauge of the quality or authority of the materials reviewed. The library will also collect 95% of New York Times fiction bestsellers. Popular television, magazines and press will be consulted to add current popular materials as budget permits. School-related research needs of students and young people will be met insofar as possible. No attempt is made supply textbooks, but a book is not excluded simply because it is a textbook. Communication with the schools will be maintained in order to be prepared for heavy student use in a particular area.

Care is used in the selection of children’s books to consider the following: literary and artistic distinction; mental and emotional maturity levels; and reading levels. Accuracy and good style, coupled with imaginative and appropriate treatment of the range of knowledge are the criteria used to select materials at many levels of reading ability.

Materials will not be excluded because of the origin, background or views of those contributing to their creation. A Citizen’s Request for Reconsideration of Library Material will be available for patrons and will be reviewed by the director and the Trustees and acted upon in compliance with ALA Bill of Rights.

The library strives to maintain an up-to-date and useful collection through a continual re-evaluation of demand, the removal of unneeded titles and replacement of lost and damaged titles. Discarded materials will be auctioned if required by current town policy, or will be given to the Friends of the Library for their book sale. Items may also be given to other government or charitable organizations, or made available to the public at the Sterling Recycling Area.