Los Alamos County Library maintains openness amid political pressures on book availability

The Los Alamos County Inclusivity Task Force meeting on July 9, 2025, focused on the library's commitment to inclusivity and transparency in its material selection process. During the meeting, library representatives emphasized that it is not their role to judge the materials available for checkout. Instead, they believe it is up to individuals and parents to decide what information they wish to consume or allow their children to read.

A key discussion point was the library's transparency regarding book requests. When a patron requests a book that is not purchased, the library staff confirmed they would provide the reasoning behind the decision, which could include factors like cost or availability. This commitment to transparency aligns with their collection development guidelines, which are accessible to the public.

Concerns were raised about potential political pressures affecting library materials. However, library staff reported no direct influence or requests to reduce the availability of books. They noted that the county supports their professional judgment in selecting materials that reflect community needs. Despite this, there are concerns about future funding, particularly from the New Mexico State Library, which may impact digital resources available to the library.

Overall, the meeting underscored the library's dedication to maintaining an open and inclusive environment while navigating the challenges of funding and political climate. The library aims to continue serving the community's diverse needs without compromising its mission.