Solano County Grand Jury • 2023-2024

Book Banning in Solano County?

Published: May 01, 2024 7 pages
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Findings and Recommendations 4 findings

F1
– Not all public school libraries publicize policies and procedures to address how a request to ban a book is implemented.
Related Recommendations (1)
R1
– All public school libraries within the County update (or create) and publicize uniform policies and procedures on how to reject inappropriate book banning proposals.
F2
– Public school libraries run the risk of monetary fines if they do not comply with the new regulations by July 2025, incurring potential fiscal risk.
Related Recommendations (1)
R2
– All public school libraries adopt uniform policies and procedures incorporating requirements of the new law by July 2025, thereby avoiding the possibility of future fines.
F3
– Not all school library staff members have been properly trained to address the general public’s interest in requests for banning, which may lead to further issues in implementing the new regulations.
Related Recommendations (1)
R3
– Implement appropriate training for all staff members who will need to address the issue when approached by the public.
F4
– Not all public school libraries have standing panels or committees with librarians who are qualified for each genre of books to respond to requests for banning, which could lead to inconsistent application of the new regulations.
Related Recommendations (1)
R4
– All public school libraries within the County establish standing panels or committees who respond to requests for banning, consisting of members familiar with library literature and knowledge of requirements of the new regulation. COMMENTS Since AB 1078 pertains only to public schools, most of our findings regard public school libraries. Solano County Public Libraries already follow ALA principles which state, “every single member of society deserves free, high-quality access to knowledge and culture.” Therefore, we commend them for their principles.

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