“[A] bill of rights is what the people are entitled to against every government on earth, general or particular, and what no just government should refuse.” – Thomas Jefferson, December 20, 1787
This coming week we celebrate Bill of Rights Day, observed on December 15. It marks the ratification of the first ten amendments to the U.S. Constitution in 1791—234 years ago. These amendments, known collectively as the Bill of Rights, safeguard essential liberties, including freedom of speech, freedom of religion, freedom of the press, the right to assemble, the right to protest, equal protection under the law, protection from unreasonable searches and seizures, and more. Of course, not everyone immediately gained these rights under the new bill; native Americans, slaves, people of color, and women were second class citizens or property and thus excluded until the passing of the 13th, 14th and 19th Amendments to the Constitution. James Madison, who later become the nation’s fourth President, introduced the Bill of Rights.
Libraries, and library users, pay special attention to the First Amendment, which protects the right of every person in the United States to hear all sides of every issue, explore diverse perspectives, and form their own opinions without government interference. It guarantees the freedom to speak, publish, read, and view what we choose; to worship (or not) as we wish; to associate freely; and to petition the government for change. Importantly, the First Amendment has been interpreted broadly by the Supreme Court to prohibit government censorship of books, newspapers, magazines, art, film, music, and online information. Courts have affirmed that the right to receive information is a vital part of the right to speak—meaning access to ideas is a protected freedom.
Bill of Rights Day is a meaningful reminder of the liberties that define us as a nation. One simple way to honor this day is by using your library. Visit, explore freely, and borrow something simply because you can—it’s your right. Don’t have a library card, no problem. They are free, come in to your nearest library to get one.
“The First Amendment is often inconvenient. But that is beside the point. Inconvenience does not absolve the government of its obligation to tolerate speech.” — Supreme Court Justice Anthony Kennedy