Board approves update to collection development policy to include state-mandated Freedom to Read language and AI guidance

The Glendora Public Library Board of Trustees voted unanimously to approve revisions to City Administrative Policy 4.05, the library’s collection development policy. The revisions incorporate language required by recent state legislation and add updated guidance for contemporary collection practices.

Library Services Manager Cindy Romero explained the update and its purpose: "This policy ... helps to guide both the books that we choose for the library, anything that we choose to weed from the library, and also just to defend intellectual freedom and defend against censorship." Romero said the policy had last been before the board in February 2022 and that in September 2024 the state passed legislation referred to in staff materials as the Freedom to Read Act requiring specific language be added to collection development policies.

Staff reviewed the state-mandated language, compared neighboring libraries and consulted American Library Association best practices. The recommended changes include adding the California Freedom to Read Act language, consolidating redundant sections, adding guidance for local-author materials and third-party resources, and creating language about resources generated by artificial intelligence. Romero told trustees there is no fiscal impact associated with the recommended changes.

Vice President Vogel moved to approve the revised policy and Trustee Johnson seconded; the motion passed 5–0. The board directed staff to finalize the text and place the revised policy into effect as adopted.

The policy update is procedural and intended to ensure the library’s collection rules comply with state requirements and current professional standards.