To: Board of Supervisors
From: Libraries
Agenda Section: Consent
Vote Requirement: Majority
SUBJECT:
title
Approve the Rescission and Adoption to Replace the Humboldt County Library's Collection Development Policy
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RECOMMENDATION(S):
Recommendation
That the Board of Supervisors:
1. Rescind the Humboldt County Library's Collection Development Policy adopted Feb. 16, 1988; and
2. Adopt the revised Humboldt County Library's Collection Development Policy in compliance with the California Freedom to Read Act (AB 1825).
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STRATEGIC PLAN:
This action supports the following areas of your Board's Strategic Plan.
Area of Focus: Core Services/Other
Strategic Plan Category: 9999 - Core Services/Other
DISCUSSION:
The California Freedom to Read Act (AB 1825) requires every public library jurisdiction that directly receives any state funding to establish, adopt, and maintain a written and publicly accessible collection development policy for its libraries by Jan. 1, 2026. The bill requires the collection development policy to, among other things, (1) guide the selection and deselection of library materials, and (2) establish a process for community members to share their concerns regarding library materials and request materials be reconsidered for inclusion in the library's collection.
In July 2025 the Humboldt County Library submitted its draft Collection Development Policy to the California State Library, Library Programs Consultant and received confirmation that the policy is in compliance with the California Freedom to Read Act (AB 1825). With your Board's approval it will meet the criteria established in the California State Library's "California Freedom to Read Act Process and Checklist."
The Humboldt County Library's Collection Development Policy includes the following:
1. The policy establishes a process for community members to share their concerns regarding library materials and to request that library materials be reconsidered for in...
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