California State Librarian Statement on Passage of California Freedom to Read Act

From the California State Library:

[Sacramento, Calif.] – On September 29th, Governor Gavin Newsom signed the California Freedom to Read Act (AB 1825, Muratsuchi) into law. The California Freedom to Read Act helps communities ensure their local libraries are reflective of that community’s diversity. The new law creates a variety of benchmarks for communities to use in determining what materials libraries make available.

One of the law’s requirements is that the “collection development plans” libraries use to help make these determinations must be sent to the State Librarian.

“This new law helps provide Californians with the materials they need to succeed and thrive and helps ensure local libraries remain responsive to the needs of their local residents,” said Greg Lucas, California State Librarian. “Thanks to Assemblyman Muratsuchi, California now has a law that makes library decision-making more transparent and inclusive.”

Collection development plans are formal policies that guide the selection of library materials and establish a process for community members to contribute. They’re used by libraries to establish clear standards about what types of materials they plan to make available and communicate those values to their local communities. These documents are formal policies that guide the selection of library materials and establish a process for community members to contribute.

For more information, read the text of the California Freedom to Read Act on the Legislature’s website.