Library board hears inclusivity plan, accessibility audits and community needs assessment

Gwen, the library manager, told the Los Alamos County Library Board that the library follows the American Library Association’s Library Bill of Rights and the ALA Freedom to Read statement and is applying those principles to collections, spaces, programs and hiring.

The presentation, given at the board’s meeting, outlined how the library aims to make materials available to all residents, to provide content reflecting diverse viewpoints and lived experiences, and to ensure no-cost access to library services. “Materials should not be excluded because of the origin, background, or views of those contributing to their creation,” Gwen said, summarizing the Library Bill of Rights language she cited.

The manager said inclusion efforts already in place include large-print materials, low-vision resources, accessible computer stations, private placement of sensitive materials, and expanded language support for printed materials and registration forms. Gwen said the library is developing an accessible-signage audit, a sound study to reduce noise in the building, and remediation work following an accessibility audit done last year.

Programming changes described by Gwen include more diverse formats (panels, workshops, group activities), a stronger emphasis on regional history and presenters that reflect the community’s tricultural environment, and targeted outreach to groups identified as underserved—seniors, teens and a group the library refers to as young professionals. The library is conducting a community needs assessment this year; Gwen said the board will be asked to help gather responses and will see a fuller update at the December meeting.

Gwen also outlined operational steps tied to inclusivity: expanding the “library of things” (items such as telescopes, thermal cameras, shredders and yoga kits), providing Narcan and hygiene products at service desks, standardizing interview experiences for job applicants, expanding three-quarter and full-time positions, and instituting an onboarding buddy program for new hires. She said the county HR department handles formal recruitment, and the library’s internal changes are meant to improve retention and accessibility once candidates are hired.

Board members asked how hiring and retention relate to county HR processes; Gwen replied the county HR department handles recruitment, and the library’s work focuses on internal practices and candidate experience. When asked whether the board could assist with the upcoming needs assessment, Gwen said yes and said she expects to present a plan at the December meeting.

The presentation closed with a note on marketing and outreach: the library is adopting clearer, friendlier marketing language, proofreading materials for bias, and recognizing heritage months and minority contributions in ways that avoid stereotypes.

The board took no formal action on the presentation; the item was for information and future collaboration on the community needs assessment.