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Rancho Mirage moves to align library collection policy with AB 1825; council introduces ordinance
Summary
Council voted to introduce an ordinance amending municipal code section 9.3072 to update the library and observatory collection development policy to comply with the California Freedom to Read Act (AB 1825), following staff presentation that libraries must adopt a public policy by Jan. 1, 2026 to remain eligible for state funding.
The Rancho Mirage City Council on Nov. 6 introduced an ordinance (first reading) to revise the Library and Observatory Collection Development Policy to comply with the California Freedom to Read Act (Assembly Bill 1825). Library and Observatory Director Aaron Espinosa told the council that the policy updates are intended to ensure adherence to state requirements and to preserve open access to materials.
"Under AB 1825, public libraries receiving state funding must have a written publicly accessible collection development policy in place by 01/01/2026 or risk losing eligibility for state library funding," Espinosa said during his presentation. He added that the proposed updates reaffirm the library’s commitment to intellectual freedom, outline selection criteria based on merit and relevance, and set a clear reconsideration process for patrons.
The Library and Observatory Advisory Commission reviewed and recommended the revisions. Council Member Yvram Berg Edelstein moved to introduce an ordinance amending Rancho Mirage Municipal Code section 9.3072 (collection development policy); the motion was seconded and passed 5–0.
What this means: The ordinance will go forward for a subsequent reading as part of the council’s normal ordinance process. If adopted, the updated policy will be posted publicly and used to guide acquisitions, program decisions and patron reconsideration requests; staff reported no fiscal impacts associated with adopting the policy revisions.
Next steps: Formal adoption will require a second reading and final council action; the library will publish the revised policy and continue implementing the reconsideration procedures required by state law.
