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Page 1 of 4 <br />Item #7 <br /> CITY COUNCIL AGENDA REPORT <br /> <br />October 7, 2025 <br />Library and Recreation <br /> <br />TITLE: ADOPT A RESOLUTION APPROVING A REVISED LIBRARY COLLECTION <br />DEVELOPMENT POLICY TO COMPLY WITH AB 1825, THE CALIFORNIA <br />FREEDOM TO READ ACT <br /> <br />SUMMARY <br />Recent California legislation, the California Freedom to Read Act (AB 1825) (Attachment 1), <br />requires all public libraries to maintain a written collection development policy that includes <br />specific components. Staff recommends that City Council adopt a resolution (Attachment 2) <br />revising the Library Collection Development Policy (2023, Attachment 3). These updates add <br />clarifying language to ensure compliance with state law but do not substantively change the <br />policy’s intent, practices, or application. No other changes are proposed at this time. <br /> <br />RECOMMENDATION <br />Adopt a resolution approving a revised Library Collection Development Policy to comply with <br />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 />BOARD/COMMITTEE/COMMISSION ACTION <br /> <br />The Library Commission reviewed the staff recommendation at its September 4, 2025 meeting <br />and recommended approval of the update to the Collection Development Policy as presented. <br /> <br /> <br />Page 139 of 376