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Page 1 of 4 <br />Item #3 <br /> <br />LIBRARY COMMISSION AGENDA <br />REPORT <br /> <br /> <br />September 4, 2025 <br />Library and Recreation <br /> <br />TITLE: RECOMMEND CITY COUNCIL ADOPT A RESOLUTION APPROVING A <br />REVISED COLLECTION DEVELOPMENT POLICY TO COMPLY WITH STATE <br />REQUIREMENTS <br /> <br />SUMMARY <br />Recent California legislation, the California Freedom to Read Act (AB 1825), requires all public <br />libraries to maintain a written collection development policy that includes specific components. <br /> <br />To meet these requirements, staff has prepared a draft update to the Pleasanton Library’s <br />Collection Development Policy (Attachment 1). This update adds clarifying language to ensure <br />compliance with state law but does not substantively change the policy’s intent, practices, or <br />application. No other changes are proposed at this time. <br /> <br />RECOMMENDATION <br />Recommend City Council adopt a resolution approving a revised Collection Development <br />Policy (2023) to comply with AB 1825, the California Freedom to Read Act. <br /> <br />BACKGROUND <br />Assembly Bill 1825, known as the California Freedom to Read Act (Act), was signed into law in <br />2024 amid growing national concerns over efforts to restrict or remove access to library <br />materials, particularly materials reflecting diverse perspectives and historically marginalized <br />communities. Sponsored by Assemblymember Al Muratsuchi, the legislation affirms <br />California’s commitment to intellectual freedom, the right to access information, and protection <br />from censorship in public libraries. <br /> <br />The Act added Chapter 10 (commencing with Section 19800) to Part 11 of Division 1 of Title 1 <br />of the California Education Code, where certain public library statutes are housed. While called <br />the “Education Code,” this section of state law governs not only school libraries, but also public <br />libraries operated by cities, counties, districts, and joint powers authorities. <br /> <br />In addition to requiring collection development policies, the Act includes provisions that protect <br />library staff from retaliation for carrying out their professional duties and prohibit discrimination <br />or censorship in the selection, removal or accessibility of materials. <br /> <br />The requirements described in the Act are set to become effective by January 1, 2026. <br /> <br />DISCUSSION <br />The Act requires that every public library jurisdiction directly receiving state funding establish, <br />adopt, and maintain a written and publicly accessible collection development policy by <br />January 1, 2026, and submit it to the State Librarian. <br />Page 7 of 31