Points considered in materials selection are literary, educational, informational, and recreational value; authority and effectiveness of presentation; qualities conductive to critical thought and understanding; and available funds and space. Contemporary authors and popular authors are included, as well as those who have demonstrated enduring worth. Titles are selected on the basis of the content as a whole and without regard to the personal history of the author. In the case of controversial questions, variety and balance of opinion are sought whenever available. The library will consider any suggestions for new books from patrons and Board members.

Materials are purchased on the basis of favorable reviews in the following sources:

1. Professional reviews (eg. Baker & Taylor’s forecast, Library Journal, Booklist)
2. Standing order catalogs

The basic policy of book selection for children is to choose the best new books and replace and duplicate the older titles which have proved their worth. The selection includes books for recreational reading, inspirational books of lasting value, and books of information covering a wide range of knowledge that will satisfy the child’s natural curiosity and widen their interests. 

The Winchester Public Library attempts to collect all local history available – subject to budgetary limits. The library will also make an effort to collect microfilm back issues of local newspapers.

1. Textbooks as such will not be purchased unless material is not available in another format.
2. Legal and medical works will be purchased only if they are of a popular nature written for the layman. However, technical and professional level material may be requested from the Illinois Library Materials Network (ILLINET).

The collection of the Winchester Public Library has been enriched and enhanced by many donations of books, periodicals, and other materials that it would not otherwise have been able to afford or acquire. In accepting things of this nature, however, the library reserves the privilege of deciding whether or not these should become library property. Cash gifts will be used for the purchase of a Memorial or Tribute. The selection will be made by the Librarian based on the interests of the deceased, or the wishes of the donor and the needs of the library. Gift material will be integrated into the general collection with a bookplate identifying the donor if applicable. Gift materials may be reassessed after 10 years and released from the library’s collections if they no longer fit the criteria specified above.

The Winchester Public Library strives for a live, up-to-date functional book collection. The same general principles apply for weeding, as for selection. Books may be retained or withdrawn according to the following: 

1. Demand and interest
2. Content
3. Use
4. Up-to-dateness
5. Readability of the edition
6. Physical condition
7. Value
8. Availability elsewhere
9. Judgement of the librarian

Book shelves are scanned periodically for possible withdrawal of the following: 

1. Excess duplicates taking up needed space
2. Titles worn beyond repair
3. Books obsolete in theme, content or style
4. Books superseded by more recent and improved edition The librarian is responsible for the weeding of the library collection under policies approved by the Board.

The librarian is responsible for the weeding of the library collection under policies approved by the Board.

The collection of the Winchester Public Library has been enriched and enhanced by many donations of books and periodicals and other materials that it would not otherwise have been able to afford or acquire. 

In accepting things of this nature, however, the library reserves the privilege of deciding whether or not these should become library property, and if accepted, the library retains unconditional ownership of the material. Cash gifts will be used for the purchase of a Memorial or Tribute. The selection will be made by the Librarian based on the interests of the deceased, or the wishes of the donor and the need of the library.  Gift material will be integrated into the general collection with a bookplate identifying the donor if applicable. The library will keep gift materials, including those donated in memoriam, for a period of 10 years, after which time, it will be evaluated and kept or removed from circulation based on the library’s collection development policy.

We believe that access to knowledge and information is a fundamental right, and we follow the Library Bill of Rights standards created by the American Library Association. The library’s doors are open to everyone, regardless of age, race, gender, sexual orientation, religious beliefs, socioeconomic status, or any other characteristic. Every individual in our community is welcome to explore our resources without discrimination.

We acknowledge that parents and legal guardians have the primary responsibility for guiding their children’s reading, viewing, and listening choices. We do not make judgments on behalf of individual families regarding appropriate materials for their children, but we encourage parents and guardians to actively engage with their children and help them navigate our diverse collection. 

We understand that community members may have concerns about specific materials within our collection. If you have concerns about the appropriateness of a particular item, we provide a Request for Reconsideration process. This allows you to express your concerns and have your voice heard. 

The Request for Reconsideration process is as follows:

• Fill out a “Request for Reconsideration of Materials” form, available at the library.
• The library director and board of trustees will review the request and the material in question, considering factors such as content, context, and the library’s selection policy.
• A decision will be made, and you will be notified of the outcome. The library’s decision will be based on the principles of intellectual freedom, diversity, and access to information, as well as our commitment to serving the needs and interests of our community. 

We are dedicated to maintaining an inclusive and open environment that respects the rights of all individuals to access information and make their own choices. The Winchester Public Library is a space to learn, explore, and grow. We are here to support your quest for knowledge and understanding, and we remain committed to safeguarding your freedom to read.