§ 19801. — 19801. (Added by Stats. 2024, Ch. 941, Sec. 1.)

The Legislature finds and declares all of the following:
(a)
Libraries are essential for information, education, and enlightenment of all people of the community the library serves.
(b)
Libraries provide access to books that offer teachable moments for readers of all ages and expand our understanding of people with different backgrounds, ideas, and beliefs.
(c)
A person’s right to use a library should not be denied or abridged solely because of personal characteristics, age,
background, or views.
(d)
Removing and banning books from public libraries are dangerous acts of government censorship and erode our country’s commitment to freedom of expression and the right to receive information.
(e)
Librarians are professionals trained to not impose their own thoughts and opinions on which ideas are right, but to make knowledge and ideas available so that people have the freedom to choose what to read.
(f)
Librarians and library staff receive extensive professional training to develop and curate collections to meet the broad and diverse interests of their communities, which include, but are not limited to, literary value and developmental appropriateness of material.

Legislative History

Added by Stats. 2024, Ch. 941, Sec. 1. (AB 1825) Effective January 1, 2025.