REPORT TO BOARD OF LIBRARY TRUSTEES
SUBJECT
Title
Discussion on Libraries Nationwide Proclaiming Themselves as Book Sanctuaries
Report
COUNCIL PILLAR
Enhance Community Engagement and Transparency
BACKGROUND
At the September 16, 2024 regular meeting of the Board of Library Trustees, Trustee Tryforos shared during the Trustees Report that she had heard about Mount Laurel Library in New Jersey issuing a proclamation declaring itself to be a Book Sanctuary Library. The Board expressed interest in holding discussion whether the Library should consider becoming a book sanctuary.
History and Meaning of Book Sanctuaries
Libraries have historically stood as bastions of intellectual freedom, with a commitment to the First Amendment and freedom of inquiry and expression. These professional standards are encapsulated in the Library Bill of Rights and the Freedom to Read Statement of the American Library Association (ALA).
In recent years, the ALA has documented significant increases in efforts to ban and censor books in schools and libraries, particularly works by and featuring people of color and/or LGBTQ+ people. Book sanctuaries were launched by the Chicago Public Library in 2022, in response to marked increases in book ban or censorship efforts.
Establishing a book sanctuary means committing to do at least one of the following:
• Collect and protect endangered books
• Make those books broadly accessible
• Host book talks and events, including sparking conversations about diverse characters and stories
• Educate others on the history of book banning and burning
DISCUSSION
The Board will engage in discussion on whether to recommend the Library consider formally establishing itself as a book sanctuary.
The Library already currently meets more than the minimum functional criteria of a book sanctuary.
• The collection features broad and diverse artistic and informational works reflecting a variety of people and viewpoints, including books on the ALA’s Most Challenged Books list.
• This collection is broadly accessible to the public, and is featured on book lists on the Library website as well as on the shelves and in displays at the Library.
To formally establish itself as a book sanctuary, the City would need to adopt a resolution formally declaring itself as a book sanctuary. Attachment 1 is a draft example of such resolution language, provided for illustrative purposes only.
The Board is encouraged to discuss whether to recommend that staff conduct further analysis as to how to declare the Santa Clara City Library as a Book Sanctuary. At a future meeting City staff could present appropriate options for the Board as well as potential next steps to implement the Board’s direction.
ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW
The action being considered does not constitute a “project” within the meaning of the California Environmental Quality Act (“CEQA”) pursuant to CEQA Guidelines section 15378(b)(5) in that it is a governmental organizational or administrative activity that will not result in direct or indirect changes in the environment.
FISCAL IMPACT
There is no fiscal impact other than staff time.
COORDINATION
This report has been coordinated with the City Attorney’s Office.
PUBLIC CONTACT
Public contact was made by posting the Board agenda on the City’s official-notice bulletin board outside City Hall Council Chambers. A complete agenda packet is available on the City’s website and in the City Clerk’s Office at least 72 hours prior to a Regular Meeting and 24 hours prior to a Special Meeting. A hard copy of any agenda report may be requested by contacting the City Clerk’s Office at (408) 615-2220, email clerk@santaclaraca.gov <mailto:clerk@santaclaraca.gov> or at the public information desk at any City of Santa Clara public library.
RECOMMENDATION
Recommendation
Recommend that City staff research options for declaring the Santa Clara City Library as a Book Sanctuary and identify potential next steps to implement the Board’s direction.
Staff
Reviewed by: Sami James, Management Analyst
Approved by: Patty Wong, City Librarian
ATTACHMENTS
1. Book Sanctuary Resolution Draft