Library advisory board recommends keeping Caesar Chavez materials available, council hears victims’ concerns

The Glendale Library Advisory Board recommended on June 9 that materials related to Cesar Chavez remain in library collections, but council members debated the emotional impact on victims and voiced differing views before agreeing to the advisory board’s recommendation.

Staff reported that the advisory board voted unanimously to retain Cesar Chavez materials in circulation and suggested that the library would not promote events or celebrations tied to his name while still making historical materials available. "They felt very strongly that Cesar Chavez has done amazing work to support farm workers," staff summarized.

Council members acknowledged the recommendation but also described constituent contacts urging removal. One council member recounted meeting a resident whose emotional distress was re‑triggered by the public discussion and said that she had received requests to remove the materials. Another council member supported retaining the materials, saying historical records — even those that are uncomfortable or include wrongdoing — should remain available for public review.

Staff noted that other Maricopa County library systems reported few formal challenges and that, as of June 1, transportation staff had removed Cesar Chavez street signage at council direction. No formal motion to remove materials or change collection policy was made at the workshop; staff said the advisory board recommendation is being presented for council consensus and that policy adherence follows the American Library Association collection development principles.

Council took no binding action during the workshop. Staff said they would continue to follow the library advisory board guidance and provide any further updates as needed.