TO: Board of Supervisors
FROM: Anthony Halstead - Director of Library Services
REPORT BY: Michelle Carreon - Supervising Staff Services Analyst
SUBJECT: Updates to Section 29 of the Napa County Policy Manual
RECOMMENDATION
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Adopt a Resolution amending Section 29, Part I of the Napa County Policy Manual with revisions to Napa County Library's Library Use Policy, Community Meeting Room Policy, include AB-1825 California Freedom to Read Act as required by State Law, and updates for consistency and non-substantive changes. (No Fiscal Impact)
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BACKGROUND
In an ongoing effort to streamline processes and improve customer service, the Napa County Library has updated its policy in several areas. Some of the major changes include the following:
The Library’s Use Policy was updated to clarify language around photographing, recording or video recording, and explicitly prohibit certain activities on library property, whether they are using library provided computers, a library provided Wi-Fi connection or their own internet connectivity. This update explicitly states that we will use filtering software in an attempt to block this content.
Reference to the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) Emergency Connectivity Fund’s support of hotspots was removed as the grant period and funding has ended. The library continues to fund hotspots using its own revenue.
AB-1825 - California Freedom to Read Act was passed in 2024. It attempts to protect the right to access diverse information in public libraries, requires collection development policies that affirm this requirement, prohibits censorship based on content or author characteristics as well as discipline or dismissal of staff when adhering to this policy. The Napa County Library’s updated policy includes a description of the law and our library’s commitment to it as well as the full text.
In keeping with the updates around AB-1825, the prior Request for Reconsideration was changed and updated. The newly created Statement of Concern allows members of the public to express their views on particular items in the collection but no longer suggests that items could be removed. Additionally, it requires that those giving collection feedback live in Napa County and that, once an item has been evaluated, it is not subject to additional review for a period of five years.
SB321 and SB1329 were laws passed in 2024 encouraging public libraries and schools to partner to make library resources available to students more easily. The Napa County Library partnered with the Napa Valley Unified School District in 2016 to provide library cards to all students using their student ID. This program was the first of its kind in California and was used as a model for later initiatives. Today’s policy update removes NVUSD as an explicit agency and acknowledges the library’s goal of working with all schools to provide easy access to resources.
Due to administrative and access changes, the Library no longer provides services within the Pope Valley Elementary School. Outreach to students and families continues in partnership with the school to encourage use of the library’s Books By Mail service.
Our appeals process was updated for patrons suspended due to behavior issues. It now clearly states that they are not allowed to enter the library during the appeal process and details the procedure for appealing a suspension.
The Library’s gift, donation, and facilities capital reserves policy was updated and now reference and reflects the larger County policy. This is an attempt to remain consistent throughout the County, removing various exceptions as well as the need to request approval by the Library Commission, who operate as an advisory, not an oversight group.
We removed a Collection Agency fee when items are in lost status. Previously, we passed this cost on to residents. However, revenue was minimal, it disproportionately impacted those least able to afford the fee and often resulted in failure to recover lost items as patrons simply stopped using the library and did not respond to notices. Since removing fines for all overdue materials in 2020, our return rate has remained the same and our recovery rate for materials sent to our collection agency is over 70%.
Our Community Meeting Room policy was updated to streamline the reservation process, detail a required insurance cost that must be paid by outside agencies, eliminate fees that were no longer assessed, and allows for easier access by County agencies that need to use this room for both staff specific and publicly accessible activities.
Finally, the Napa County Library provides an outlet for local artists through its Art in the Library program. Each year, a call is sent out seeking all variety of visual artists. This policy update changes the process to accept only artists that live within the county of Napa. This change is meant to encourage and support local artists and provide a venue for residents to view art created by local artists. Each year, the Library creates a photobook highlighting pieces and information about the artist. Additionally, the month of November is dedicated to student art, where library staff work with various schools to encourage teachers to assist in collecting and selecting work with a special reception to celebrate those students whose art will be displayed and featured.
Requested Action:
Adopt a Resolution amending Section 29, Part I of the Napa County Policy Manual with revisions to Napa County Library's Library Use Policy, Community Meeting Room Policy, include AB-1825 California Freedom to Read Act as required by State Law, and updates for consistency and non-substantive changes.
FISCAL IMPACT
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Is there a Fiscal Impact? |
No |
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Is it Mandatory or Discretionary? |
Discretionary |
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Discretionary Justification: |
Approval of the resolution will ensure that Section 29 of the County Policy Manual has been reviewed and updated to reflect current policies and upholds library standards |
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Is the general fund affected? |
No |
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Consequences if not approved: |
If the revisions to Section 29 of the County Policy Manual are not approved, updates to state and county policy will not be reflected in the library policy, nor changes for improved clarity and consistency will be implemented. |
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Additional Information: |
Strategic Initiative: Elevate County Service and Workforce Excellence |
ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT
ENVIRONMENTAL DETERMINATION: The proposed action is not a project as defined by 14 California Code of Regulations 15378 (State CEQA Guidelines) and therefore CEQA is not applicable.