Murrieta Public Library reports rising usage, children's expansion progresses; library card policy review begins

Library staff presented the Murrieta Public Library's 2025 annual report and an update on the children's library expansion at the Library Advisory Commission meeting Feb. 9, and began a public review of the library card policy.

"In 2025, we did have 21,360 people that held an active Murrieta Public Library card," Rosales said during the presentation, noting that active cardholders rose from 16,628 the previous year. He reported 181,000 in-person visits (up from 168,000) and 406,000 total checkouts (up from 393,000), and said electronic checkouts rose from about 11,250 to 15,600, noting those trends as evidence of increasing community engagement.

Rosales also updated the commission on the children's library expansion: grading and compaction, trenching and footing, utilities and interior demolition have been completed; the foundation pour was scheduled the week of Feb. 9 and weekly construction progress meetings are ongoing. He said the furniture, fixtures and equipment and low-voltage contracts were approved by city council, and that weather-related delays had pushed the schedule about two weeks.

Rosales described ongoing programming and partnerships, including a relaunch of story times in a temporary multipurpose room, a digital literacy computer class series, and a food-for-fines program in partnership with Murrieta United Methodist Church. He said donations for the expansion are being coordinated through the Murrieta Library Foundation but that donation totals were not available at the meeting and would be provided by email upon request.

During the non-agenda public comment period, retired teacher Julia Peralta announced publication of a children's book, said she has visited local schools and offered to donate hardcover copies to the Murrieta library and to read to students. "I would love to donate a book to the library here in Murrieta and have an opportunity to come read to the students too," Peralta said.

Rosales introduced the library card policy update as a discussion item seeking commission feedback, not a final decision. Commissioners asked what constitutes valid photo identification and proof of address. Rosales said a typical acceptable ID is a California-issued driver's license and that a federal Real ID is not required. He confirmed the policy aligns with best practices across the state and said commissioners may provide feedback via email rather than only during meetings. Regarding children, Rosales said the responsible adult's ID is used for a child's card and that the responsible person would be accountable for fines.

The discussion was framed as an opportunity for commissioners to provide input that staff will incorporate into policy revisions to be returned for future recommendation or approval.