[fusion_builder_container hundred_percent=”no” equal_height_columns=”no” menu_anchor=”” hide_on_mobile=”small-visibility,medium-visibility,large-visibility” class=”” id=”” background_color=”” background_image=”” background_position=”center center” background_repeat=”no-repeat” fade=”no” background_parallax=”none” parallax_speed=”0.3″ video_mp4=”” video_webm=”” video_ogv=”” video_url=”” video_aspect_ratio=”16:9″ video_loop=”yes” video_mute=”yes” overlay_color=”” video_preview_image=”” border_size=”” border_color=”” border_style=”solid” padding_top=”” padding_bottom=”” padding_left=”” padding_right=””][fusion_builder_row][fusion_builder_column type=”1_1″ layout=”1_1″ background_position=”left top” background_color=”” border_size=”” border_color=”” border_style=”solid” border_position=”all” spacing=”yes” background_image=”” background_repeat=”no-repeat” padding_top=”” padding_right=”” padding_bottom=”” padding_left=”” margin_top=”0px” margin_bottom=”0px” class=”” id=”” animation_type=”” animation_speed=”0.3″ animation_direction=”left” hide_on_mobile=”small-visibility,medium-visibility,large-visibility” center_content=”no” last=”no” min_height=”” hover_type=”none” link=””][fusion_text]

What is a Bill of Rights? We’re all familiar with the United States Constitution’s first 10 amendments, guaranteeing a free press, free speech, the right to a jury trial, etc. It’s the credenda of our democracy and led to the American Library Association’s Library Bill or Rights, first adopted in 1939. The Library Bill of Rights includes guiding principles like, “A person’s right to use a library should not be denied or abridged because of origin, age, background, or views.” Important stuff.

Lately, another Bill of Rights has been making the shared-rounds on social media. Being a bookish person, you’ve probably seen it. The Reader’s Bill of Rights was originally posited in 1992 by French writer Daniel Pennac. According to him, you have:

1. The right to not read.
2. The right to skip pages.
3. The right to not finish.
4. The right to reread.
5. The right to read anything.
6. The right to escapism.
7. The right to read anywhere.
8. The right to browse.
9. The right to read out loud.
10. The right to not defend your tastes.

Some may seem silly, but it’s important to remind ourselves that it’s okay to not take reading so seriously all the time, especially pleasure reading. This is not to say we shouldn’t challenge ourselves, but take it easy, too. Maybe slip some Shel Silverstein into your Steinbeck binge. After all, the library isn’t going to judge your pile of checkouts.

In 2008, Kiera Parrott added a few more to Pennac’s list, calling it the Reluctant Reader’s Bill of Rights. It includes:

1. The right to read at your own pace.
2. The right to choose whatever book you want.
3. The right to read graphic novels and manga.
4. The right to read magazines.
5. The right to read non-fiction.
6. The right to not like a book.
7. The right to read books published for different age levels.

I’m not going to argue. Would you add anything? What perceived indulgences would you codify? I have to remind myself that reading is reading, even when it’s listening. My 13-year old listens to audiobooks the way I devoured pop radio at her age. Is that cheating? Short answer: no. Your brain is probably still doing the same thing whether you’re reading or being read too.

As librarians and as a library, we take all these “rights” into account when we select materials, recommend a title, or host a program. While we can’t be everything to everyone all of the time, we can try…even if you don’t finish it or if it’s too easy for you. Say it with me: reading is reading is reading.

[/fusion_text][/fusion_builder_column][/fusion_builder_row][/fusion_builder_container]