CITY OF SIMI VALLEY
STAFF REPORT
F
ebruary 9, 2026
To: S
imi Valley Library Board of Trustees
Fr
om: Office of the City Manager
Luis Garibay, Assistant City Manager
Subj
ect: Adoption of a r esolution of the Simi Valley Library Board of Trustees r evising the City of Simi Valley Administrative Policies and Procedures for the Simi Valley Public Library and adoption of an additional policy related to the governance of the Simi Valley Public Library
Sta
ff Recommendation
I
t is recommended that the Simi Valley Library Board of Trustees:
1. A
dopt Resolution No. PL -38 revising the City of Simi Valley’s Administrative Policies and Procedures (Attachments A and B) for the Simi Valley Public Library (Library); and
2. A
dopt the attached Privacy Policy (Attachment C) related to the governance of the Simi Valley Public Library.
Ba
ckground
O
n June 3, 2013, the S imi Valley Library Board of Trustees adopted administrative policies and procedures for the Library (incorporated within the City of Simi Valley Administrative Policies and Procedures Manual), establishing a policy for circulation and material selection. Library staff have identified several sections of these Administrative Policies that need to be revised or updated to provide the best level of service to Library patrons. Library Board Resolution PL-05 was adopted on June 3, 2013, allowing for the inclusion of fees and charges associated with the replacement of lost or damaged items.
In addition, a Privacy Policy is needed to ensure compliance with Federal Communications Commission (FCC) regulations related to SMS/text messaging services, including MessageBee text notifications, as well as applicable state and federal privacy laws. MessageBee is the platform used by Library staff to distribute the Library newsletter and to provide patron notifications for holds, renewals, and overdue materials.
Di
scussion
T
he majority of the proposed revisions are minor, serving primarily as an opportunity to update language or to clarify procedures on the circulation and collection development policies. The proposed policy establishes clear standards for the collection, use, retention, and protection of patron personal information, including mobile phone numbers used for AGENDA ITEM NO.
9A
library communications. The proposed Privacy Policy will help ensure transparency, safeguard patron privacy, mitigate legal and operational risk, and confirm that the Library’s messaging practices align with regulatory requirements and industry best practices.
The following is a summary of the notable revisions to the City of Sim i Valley Administrative Policies and Procedures for the Simi Valley Public Library:
Policy No. C-11 - Circulation Policy
• Section 3: Addition of language incorporating the auto renewal of borrowed items and exceptions.
• Section 4: Addition of language to provide clear guidance to patrons in handling damage to items caused by a natural disaster.
• Section 5: Addition of language waiving the charges of a lost item returned in good condition.
• Section 7: Addition of language updating the Policy title.
Policy No. C-13 – Material Selection Policy updated to Collection Development Policy
• Section 1: Addition of language for patrons as to why items are included in the Library’s collection.
• Section 4: Addition of language from the State Library to maintain compliance with California State Law, AB 1825 to receive grants.
• Section 5: Addition of language that decisions to keep items in the collection will be based on the policy.
The proposed Simi Valley Public Library Privacy Policy affirms the City’s commitment to protecting the privacy and confidentiality of all library patrons in accordance with the principles of intellectual freedom, professional ethics of librarianship, and applicable local, state, and federal laws. The policy clearly defines how the Library collects, uses, safeguards, and, when legally required, discloses patron information to ensure equitable access to library services, without compromising the integrity of personal data. It establishes standards for information collection, data security, third- party vendor use, digital services, and records retention, while outlining patrons’ rights related to access, corrections, and deletion of personal information. Adoption of this policy strengthens transparency, ensures compliance with California library confidentiality laws and FCC regulations on electronic communications, and provides clear guidance to staff, patrons, and vendors on the responsible handling of patron information.
Staff recommends that the Simi Valley Library Board of Trustees adopt a resolution revising the City of Simi Valley’s Administrative Policies and Procedures for the Simi Valley Public Library and adopt the proposed Privacy Policy related to the governance of the Simi Valley Public Library.
2 Financial Impact
There are no financial impacts.
City Council Priority
This item supports the Excellent City Government and Thriving Community P illars of Excellence.
Suggested Motion
I move that the Simi Valley Library Board of Trustees adopt Resolution No. PL-38 revising the City of Simi Valley’s Administrative Policies and Procedures for the Simi Valley Public Library and adopt the proposed Privacy Policy.
Summary
On June 3, 2013, the Simi Valley Library Board of Trustees adopted administrative policies and procedures for the Library (incorporated within the City of Simi Valley Administrative Policies and Procedures Manual), establishing the policy for circulation and material selection. Library staff identified several sections of these Administrative Policies that need revision or updating to provide the best level of service to Library patrons. On August 6, 2018, the Fee Schedule was updated per the adoption of Li brary Board Resolution PL-05, allowing for the inclusion of fees and charges associated with the replacement of lost or damaged items and collection agency referral fees.
In addition, a Privacy Policy has been drafted to ensure compliance with Federal Communications Commission (FCC) regulations related to SMS/text messaging services, including MessageBee text notifications, as well as applicable state and federal privacy laws. The policy will establish clear standards f or the collection, use, retention, and protection of patron personal information, including mobile phone numbers used for library communications. Adoption of this policy will help ensure transparency, safeguard patron privacy, mitigate legal and operational risk, and confirm that the Library’s messaging practices align with regulatory requirements and industry best practices.
Therefore, staff recommends that the Simi Valley Library Board of Trustees adopt a resolution revising the City of Simi Valley’s Administrative Policies and Procedures for the Simi Valley Public Library and adopt the proposed Privacy Policy related to the governance of the Simi Valley Public Library.
Prepared by: Anna M. Medina, Deputy Community Services Director
Attachments:
Attachment A – Resolution No. PL-38
Attachment B – Simi Valley Public Library policies, Legislative Format Attachment C – Proposed Privacy Policy
3 RESOLUTION NO. PL-38
A
RESOLUTION OF THE SIMI VALLEY LIBRARY BOARD
OF TRUSTEES ADOPTING REVISIONS TO THE
ADMINISTRATIVE POLICES AND PROCEDURES FOR
THE CITY OF SIMI VALLEY PERTAINING TO THE SIMI
VALLEY PUBLIC LIBRARY
W
HEREAS, on June 3, 2013, the Simi Valley Library Board of Trustees (Board) adopted the City of Simi Valley Administrative Policies and Procedures for the Simi Valley Public Library, which are part and parcel of the Citywide Administrative Policies and Procedures Manual; and
W
HEREAS, on June 3, 2013, a Schedule of Fees (Schedule) was approved and adopted by the Board, and the Schedule included additional fees for the Simi Valley Public Library, which are referenced in the proposed revised policies; and W
HEREAS, the Board now desires to adopt proposed revisions to the City of Simi Valley Administrative Policies and Procedures Manual pertaining to the Simi Valley Public Library.
N
OW, THEREFORE, THE SIMI VALLEY LIBRARY BOARD OF
TRUSTEES DOES HEREBY RESOLVE AS FOLLOWS:
S
ECTION 1 . The proposed revisions to the City of Simi Valley Administrative Policies and P rocedures Manual pertaining to the Simi Valley Public Library attached to the February 9, 2026, staff report are incorporated herein by reference and are hereby adopted.
S
ECTION 2. This resolution will take effect immediately upon adoption.
S
ECTION 3 . The Board Secretary shall certify to the adoption of this resolution and shall cause a certified resolution to be filed in the Office of the City Clerk.
PASSED
and ADOPTED this 9th day of February 2026.
A
ttest:
Lucy Blanco, City Clerk Dee Dee Cavanaugh, Mayor of the City of Simi Valley, California
4 Attachment A
Approved as to Form:
RES. NO. PL-38
Approved as to Content:
Algeria R. Ford, City Attorney Samantha C. Argabrite, City Manager Luis Garibay
Assistant City Manager
5 CITY OF SIMI VALLEY
ADMINISTRATIVE POLICIES & PROCEDURES MANUAL
POLICY
It is
the policy of the City to establish loan periods and item limits for checking out items from the Simi Valley Public Library, establish fines for overduelost items, and establish a process to request items located at another library.
PROCEDURES
Use of
Library Card
1. Patrons mu
st have their physical Library card with them in order to check out Library materials. Patrons are permitted to use Library digital apps which store Library account information, in place of their physical Library card.
Loan Peri
ods and Item Limits for the Simi Valley Public Library (Library)
2. A total
of up to 30 items may be checked out on one card,. Each item may be borrowed for a period of 21 days, and each item may be renewed up to three times. The following restrictions apply:
a. Ten DVDs may be borrowed at a time per card holder ., and may be renewed one (1) time.
b. One video game may be borrowed at a time per card holder and may be renewed one (1) time.
c. Any item that is on hold for another patron cannot be renewed.
Auto-Re
newal
3. Borrow
ed items will be renewed automatically, with certain exceptions:
a. Another user has requested it.
b. The item has already been renewed three times.
c. The user’s account is blocked due to lost items or fees of $5.00 or more. d. The item is an electronic resource, such as an eBook or eaudiobook.
Fines
3.4. Fines f
or items are established in the Simi Valley Public Library Schedule of Service of Trustees
Effective:
C‐11
Attachment B
6 CITY OF SIMI VALLEY
ADMINISTRATIVE POLICIES & PROCEDURES MANUAL
Charges. City Council voted to discontin ue fines for overdue materials on July 1, 2024. Fines will be collected for lost or damaged items. Fines are calculated on the number of days that the Library is open. No fines are charged for materials lost in natural disasters (fire, flood, death of patronthe cardholder ) or theft with an accompanying insurance, police, or fire report. If a patron does not have proof that materials were lost in a natural disaster, the Library Director or his or her designee has discretion to assess or waive fines.Fines for overdue items are established in the Simi Valley Public Library Schedule of Service Charges.
4.5. The Libr
ary will send an almost overdue courtesy notice to patrons by email, text, or phone three days before an item is due. A reminder will be sent three days after an item is considered overdue. Overdue notices will be sent 14 days after the item is due. At 28 days after the item is due, items are considered lost, and patrons will receive a bill requesting the item be returned and fines paid or the cost of the item plus a processing fee, which is established in the Simi Valley Public Library Schedule of Service Charges. These charges are waived if the material(s) are returned in good condition.
The Library uses a collection agency to recover lost materials with a value over $50.
At 14 days following the second notice, the delinquent accounts with a value of over $50.00 willmay be referred by the City to a collection agency ., and a fee of $10 is added to the patron’s account.
Request
s
5.6. If an i
tem is not available in the Simi Valley Library or is located at another library in the Inland Library Network (ILN), a patron may place a request for it. When it becomes available, it will be delivered to the Library. There is no charge for requesting an item.
Some items may not be available to request.
6.7. Patr
ons wishing to request items not available at the Library or through the Inland Library Network may ask for assistance to either:
a. Make a suggestion for purchase.: Suggestions for purchase will be considered based on availability, funding, and will be subject to the Collection Development Policy.Materials Selection Policy.
b. Request the item via interlibrary loan from another library system .: Fees, if any, established by the owning library system will be charged to the patron.
HISTORY
June 3, 2013 P
olicy approved by Board of Trustees.
April 22, 2019 Amended policy approved by Board of Trustees 7 CITY OF SIMI VALLEY
ADMINISTRATIVE POLICIES & PROCEDURES MANUAL
POLICY
It is th
e policy of the City to acquire and retain materials available to the public in the Simi Valley Public Library.
PROCEDURES
Each
year, a tremendous number of books, audio‐visual materials, and resources in digital format are published. It is the responsibility of the Library Director, or his or her designee, to select those items that best serve the informational, educational, and entertainment needs and interests of Library users. The Library Director, in consultation with Library staff, oversees the selection, acquisition, and maintenance of the Library collection according to the guidelines contained in this policy. This policy includes the acquisition of materials by purchase as well as through donation to the Library, and the process by which obsolete, worn, and damaged materials are removed from the collection.
Cri
teria for Selection of Materials
1. The Si
mi Valley Public Library has an inclusive approach to selection and affirms the public’s right to choose and read with the freedom essential to a democracy. The Simi Valley Public Library will adhere to the principles of the “Freedom to Read Statement” of the American Library Association (Exhibit 1). It asserts that American democracy functions only if the full range of human ideas is accessible to the public. While some ideas may not be held by the majority, the First Amendment to the U.S. Constitution protects the free expression of those ideas. It does not sacrifice the interests of one group to satisfy the interests and beliefs of others. The Library, by selecting provides individual materials, does not promote, support or endorse any particular viewpoint, but rather aims to support the Free dom to Read statement of the American Library Association. The collection meets the broad and diverse interests of the community and respects both the library’s auto nomy and their specific community needs.presenting various points of view concerning the problems and issues of our times.
Librar
y materials should be provided for the interest, information, and enlightenment of all people of the community the library serves and should present diverse points of view in the collection. Material dealing with controversial views or subjects is judged on the basis of based on the entire work and not on isolated passages or sections.
Matters such as the race or nationality, or the political, social, or religious views of the C‐
Effective:
of Trustees
8 CITY OF SIMI VALLEY
ADMINISTRATIVE POLICIES & PROCEDURES MANUAL
author are not factors affecting the evaluation of material. The selection of a variety of materials guarantees the right of the public to receive access to a range of social, political, aesthetic, moral, and other ideas and experiences. All materials, whether purchased or donated, are subject to the criteria listed below. An item need not meet all these standards to be included in the Library’s collection: The following criteria are used to evaluate the appropriateness of materials added to the Library collection:
a. Creative, literary or technical quality
a.b. Accuracy of information
b.c. Quality of treatment
c.d. Merit, awards, or critical acclaim
e. Contemporary significance
d.f. Timeliness or permanentEnduring value
e.g. PopularPublic interest or demand
f.h. Extent to which the subject matter is already represented in the Library collection g.i. Readability or literary style
h.j. Social significanceRelevance to the community
i.k. Professional or literary Rreputation of the author or publisher j.l. Cost, availability or sustainability
k.m. Physical durability, attractiveness, and other format characteristics l.n. Existence of authoritative, published reviews
When s
electing materials for inclusion in the collection, the Library also considers the availability of materials and resources in other libraries. To strengthen its services and resources, the Library actively participates in resource sharing agreements with other libraries, such as the Inland Library Network.
Pers
ons Responsible for Material Selection Decisions
2. The Libr
ary Director has the prerogative to delegate to Library staff the responsibility of selection and maintenance of Library materials. Purchase suggestions from patrons shall be considered by the Library Director and the appropriate materials selector.
Acc
ess to Library Materials
3. Mater
ials held by the Simi Valley Public Library will be available to all members of the public, regardless of age or any other factor. The Library does not act in loco parentis for minors in their choice of Library materials.
3.4. In sup
port of its mission, the Library endorses and has adopted the following statements used as guidelines for the development of the Library collections: American Library Association’s “Library Bill of Ri ghts,” “Freedom to Read,” and “Freedom to View,” presented in the Appendix section. Further, California State Law, AB 1825 (the “California Freedom to Read Act”) passed in 2024, requires the following statements to be included in public library collection development policies:
a. The collection meets the broad and diverse interests of the community and respects both the library’s autonomy and their specific community needs. b. The public library serves as a center for voluntary inquiry and the dissemination of 9 CITY OF SIMI VALLEY
ADMINISTRATIVE POLICIES & PROCEDURES MANUAL
information and ideas.
c. Library materials should be provided for the interest, information, and enlightenment of all people, and should present diverse points of view in the collection as a whole. d. The right of the public to receive access to a range of social, political, aesthetic, moral, and other ideas and experiences is acknowledged.
P
ublic Comment Regarding the Library Collection
4. 5. Patron feedbackcomments about the Library’s collection is always welcome, and any consideration about the addition or removal of materials from the collection is governed by this Policy. Patron comments should be submitted in writing using the appropriate Request for Reconsideration of Materials form provided by the Simi Valley Public Library.
R
equests to remove or reclassify items in the collection shall be forwarded to the Library Director for review and response. The Simi Valley Library Director, alongside appropriate professional staff, will review the request as well as the material in question to determine if it meets the selection criteria of the Collection Development Policy.
F
ollowing the review of the material(s), the Simi Valley Library Director or his or her designee will communicate a decision and the reason for it, in writing, to the individual who initiated the request for reconsideration. This decision process will be completed in twenty business days.
V
erbal complaints about the collection will be Those complaints that do not result in a written complaint shall be communicated by staff to the Library Director.
W
eeding and Disposal of Library Materials
5. 6. An ongoing process of weeding obsolete, unused, or damaged materials is essential to maintaining an authoritative collection responsive to the needs of Library patrons.
Library staff will remove such weeded materials from the Library collection with the permission of the Library Director. The following materials will be considered for weeding:
a. Materials containing outdated information
b. Materials that have been superseded by a new edition (almanacs, statistics, etc.) unless the earlier edition is still useful as a circulating item c. Bibliographies and reading guides listing books that are dated or obsolete d. Books with outmoded or inaccurate illustrations
e. Highly specialized books with no potential readership f. Unneeded duplicates
g. Books that have not been used in a reasonable period of time for that type of material
h. Worn or damaged items
6. 7. In most cases, Library staff will offer items weeded from the collection to the Friends of the Simi Valley Library (501.c.3) to be sold to the public, with revenues accruing to the 10 CITY OF SIMI VALLEY
ADMINISTRATIVE POLICIES & PROCEDURES MANUAL
Friends of the Simi Valley Library to benefit the Library. Library staff may also offer weeded items to the following groups, listed in order of preference:
a. Local schools
b. Literacy partners such as Better World Books and Operation Book Support c. Nonprofit organizations other than the Friends of the Simi Valley Library W
eeded items that are too worn or damaged to be usable or desirable to these organizations will be recycled with the approval of the Library Director.
A
dding Gift Materials to the Library Collection
7. 8. The Simi Valley Public Library accepts gifts of library materials that are in usable condition. The Library reserves the right to determine whether the donated items will be added to the collection; determinations are made based on same selection criteria used for purchase of materials.
8. 9. Any donated material not added to the collection may be given to Friends of the Simi Valley Library to be sold with resulting revenues used to support Library programs, collections, and services, or distributed in accordance with item 67, above.
HI STORY
J
une 3, 2013 Policy approved by Board of Trustees.
April 22, 2019 Amended policy approved by Board of Trustees 11 CITY OF SIMI VALLEY
ADMINISTRATIVE POLICIES & PROCEDURES MANUAL
Exhibit 1
A
merican Library Association’s Freedom to Read Statement T
he freedom to read is essential to our democracy. It is continuously under attack. Private groups and public authorities in various parts of the country are working to remove or limit access to reading materials, to censor content in schools, to label "controversial" views, to distribute lists of "objectionable" books or authors, and to purge libraries. These actions apparently rise from a view that our national tradition of free expression is no longer valid; that censorship and suppression are needed to counter threats to safety or national security, as well as to avoid the subversion of politics and the corruption of morals. We, as individuals devoted to reading and as librarians and publishers responsible for disseminating ideas, wish to assert the public interest in the preservation of the freedom to read.
M
ost attempts at suppression rest on a denial of the fundamental premise of democracy: that the ordinary individual, by exercising critical judgment, will select the good and reject the bad.
We trust Americans to recognize propaganda and misinformation, and to make their own decisions about what they read and believe. We do not believe they are prepared to sacrifice their heritage of a free press in order to be "protected" against what others think may be bad for them. We believe they still favor free enterprise in ideas and expression.
T
hese efforts at suppression are related to a larger pattern of pressures being brought against education, the press, art and images, films, broadcast media, and the Internet. The problem is not only one of actual censorship. The shadow of fear cast by these pressures leads, we suspect, to an even larger voluntary curtailment of expression by those who seek to avoid controversy or unwelcome scrutiny by government officials.
S
uch pressure toward conformity is perhaps natural to a time of accelerated change. And yet suppression is never more dangerous than in such a time of social tension. Freedom has given the United States the elasticity to endure strain. Freedom keeps open t he path of novel and creative solutions, and enables change to come by choice. Every silencing of a heresy, every enforcement of an orthodoxy, diminishes the toughness and resilience of our society and leaves it the less able to deal with controversy and difference.
N
ow as always in our history, reading is among our greatest freedoms. The freedom to read and write is almost the only means for making generally available ideas or manners of expression that can initially command only a small audience. The written word is the natural medium for the new idea and the untried voice from which come the original contributions to social growth. It is essential to the extended discussion that serious thought requires, and to the accumulation of knowledge and ideas into organized collections.
W
e believe that free communication is essential to the preservation of a free society and a creative culture. We believe that these pressures toward conformity present the danger of limiting the range and variety of inquiry and expression on which our democracy and our culture depend. We believe that every American community must jealously guard the freedom to publish and to circulate, in order to preserve its own freedom to read. We believe that publishers and librarians have a profound responsibility to give validity to that freedom to read by making it possible for the readers to choose freely from a variety of offerings. 12 CITY OF SIMI VALLEY
ADMINISTRATIVE POLICIES & PROCEDURES MANUAL
T
he freedom to read is guaranteed by the Constitution. Those with faith in free people will stand firm on these constitutional guarantees of essential rights and will exercise the responsibilities that accompany these rights.
W
e therefore affirm these propositions:
1. I
t is in the public interest for publishers and librarians to make available the widest diversity of views and expressions, including those that are unorthodox, unpopular, or considered dangerous by the majority. Creative thought is by definition new, and what is new is different. The bearer of every new thought is a rebel until that idea is refined and tested. Totalitarian systems attempt to maintain themselves in power by the ruthless suppression of any concept that challenges the established orthodoxy. The power of a democratic system to adapt to change is vastly strengthened by the freedom of its citizens to choose widely from among conflicting opinions offered freely to them. To stifle every nonconformist idea at birth would mark the end of the democratic process.
Furthermore, only through the constant activity of weighing and selecting can the democratic mind attain the strength demanded by times like these. We need to know not only what we believe but why we believe it.
2. Publishers, librarians, and booksellers do not need to endorse every idea or presentation they make available. It would conflict with the public interest for them to establish their own political, moral, or aesthetic views as a standard for determining what should be published or circulated. Publishers and librarians serve the educational process by helping to make available knowledge and ideas required for the growth of the mind and the increase of learning. They do not foster education by imposing as mentors the patterns of their own thought. The people should have the freedom to read and consider a broader range of ideas than those that may be held by any single librarian or publisher or government or church. It is wrong that what one can read should be confined to what another thinks proper.
3. It is contrary to the public interest for publishers or librarians to bar access to writings on the basis of the personal history or political affiliations of the author. No art or literature can flourish if it is to be measured by the political views or private lives of its creators.
No society of free people can flourish that draws up lists of writers to whom it will not listen, whatever they may have to say.
4. There is no place in our society for efforts to coerce the taste of others, to confine adults to the reading matter deemed suitable for adolescents, or to inhibit the efforts of writers to achieve artistic expression. To some, much of modern expression is shocking. But is not much of life itself shocking? We cut off literature at the source if we prevent writers from dealing with the stuff of life. Parents and teachers have a responsibility to prepare the young to meet the diversity of experiences in life to which they will be exposed, as they have a responsibility to help them learn to think critically for themselves. These are affirmative responsibilities, not to be discharged simply by preventing them from reading works for which they are not yet prepared. In these matters values differ, and values cannot be legislated; nor can machinery be devised that will suit the demands of one group without limiting the freedom of others.
5. It is not in the public interest to force a reader to accept the prejudgment of a label characterizing any expression or its author as subversive or dangerous. The ideal of labeling presupposes the existence of individuals or groups with wisdom to determine 13 CITY OF SIMI VALLEY
ADMINISTRATIVE POLICIES & PROCEDURES MANUAL
by authority what is good or bad for others. It presupposes that individuals must be directed in making up their minds about the ideas they examine. But Americans do not need others to do their thinking for them.
6. It is the responsibility of publishers and librarians, as guardians of the people's freedom to read, to contest encroachments upon that freedom by individuals or groups seeking to impose their own standards or tastes upon the community at large; and by the government whenever it seeks to reduce or deny public access to public information. It is inevitable in the give and take of the democratic process that the political, the moral, or the aesthetic concepts of an individual or group will occasionally collide with those of another individual or group. In a free society individuals are free to determine for themselves what they wish to read, and each group is free to determine what it will recommend to its freely associated members. But no group has the right to take the law into its own hands, and to impose its own concept of politics or morality upon other members of a democratic society. Freedom is no freedom if it is accorded only to the accepted and the inoffensive. Further, democratic societies are more safe, free, and creative when the free flow of public information is not restricted by governmental prerogative or self-censorship.
7. It is the responsibility of publishers and librarians to give full meaning to the freedom to read by providing books that enrich the quality and diversity of thought and expression.
By the exercise of this affirmative responsibility, they can demonstrate that the answer to a "bad" book is a good one, the answer to a "bad" idea is a good one. The freedom to read is of little consequence when the reader cannot obtain matter fit for that reader's purpose. What is needed is not only the absence of restraint, but the positive provision of opportunity for the people to read the best that has been thought and said. Books are the major channel by which the intellectual inheritance is handed down, and the principal means of its testing and growth. The defense of the freedom to read requires of all publishers and librarians the utmost of their faculties, and deserves of all Americans the fullest of their support. We state these propositions neither lightly nor as easy generalizations. We here stake out a lofty claim for the value of the written word. We do so because we believe that it is possessed of enormous variety and usefulness, worthy of cherishing and keeping free. We realize that the application of these propositions may mean the dissemination of ideas and manners of expression that are repugnant to many persons. We do not state these propositions in the comfortable belief that what people read is unimportant. We believe rather that what people read is deeply important; that ideas can be dangerous; but that the suppression of ideas is fatal to a democratic society. Freedom itself is a dangerous way of life, but it is ours.
T
his statement was originally issued in May of 1953 by the Westchester Conference of the American Library Association and the American Book Publishers Council, which in 1970 consolidated with the American Educational Publishers Institute to become the Association of American Publishers.
A
dopted June 25, 1953, by the ALA Council and the AAP Freedom to Read Committee; amended January 28, 1972; January 16, 1991; July 12, 2000; June 30, 2004.
A
Joint Statement by:
American Library Association
14 CITY OF SIMI VALLEY
ADMINISTRATIVE POLICIES & PROCEDURES MANUAL
Association of American Publishers
S
ubsequently endorsed by:
A
merican Booksellers for Free Expression
The Association of American University Presses
The Children's Book Council
Freedom to Read Foundation
National Association of College Stores
National Coalition Against Censorship
National Council of Teachers of English
The Thomas Jefferson Center for the Protection of Free Expression 15 CITY OF SIMI VALLEY
ADMINISTRATIVE POLICIES & PROCEDURES MANUAL
POLICY
It is t
he policy of the City to protect the privacy and confidentiality of all persons using the Simi Valley Public Library, regardless of origin, age, background or views. This policy outlines how the Simi Valley Public Library collects, uses, protects, and shares personal information to ensure that patrons can access services without concern for their privacy.
The policy is guided by the principles of intellectual freedom, the ethics of librarianship, and applicable local, state, and federal laws. The Simi Valley Public Library upholds every patron’s right to use the library without fear that their personal information or library usage will be disclosed without their consent, except as required by law.
PROCEDURES
Pat
rons agree to this policy by using the Library’s website, attending an event or program, accessing Library resources, or using Library technology and applications.
Inf
ormation Collection
1. The S
imi Valley Public Library collects only the personal information necessary to provide and improve Library services. The types of data collected include:
a. Library Account Information - Name, address, phone number, email address, date of birth, and Library card number.
b. Library Transactions – Items checked out, holds, interlibrary loan requests, overdue and lost items, and fines.
c. Computer and Internet Use – Library card number used to access public computers and Wi-Fi logs (IP addresses are collected but are not linked to individuals). d. Program and Event Registration – Name and contact information when registering for programs, events, and meeting rooms.
e. Communications with the Library – Records of inquiries or requests submitted via email, phone, or in person.
f. Website & Digital Services – Cookies and usage data may be collected to enhance website functionality and digital services but do not contain personally identifiable information.
Us
e of Cookies and Digital Privacy
2. The S
imi Valley Public Library’s website and digital platforms may use cookies to
PRIVACY
C‐
Effective:
of Trustees
Attachment C
16 CITY OF SIMI VALLEY
ADMINISTRATIVE POLICIES & PROCEDURES MANUAL
improve functionality and user experience. Cookies help:
a. Authenticate users for access to digital resources.
b. Customize website experiences based on user preferences. c. Collect anonymous statistical data on website usage.
Users may disable cookies in their browser settings, though this may limit access to certain Library services.
How the Library Uses Your Data
3. Personal data is used solely for library-related functions, including:
a. Managing user accounts, borrowing activity, and communication about library services.
b. Improving library programs, services, and website functionality. c. Complying with legal and financial obligations (e.g., lost items). d. Notifying patrons of upcoming programs, service changes, or account -related updates.
The Simi Valley Public Library does not use patron data for commercial purposes or targeted advertising.
Data Sharing and Disclosure
4. Simi Valley Public Library does not sell, rent, or distribute personally identifiable information to third parties for marketing purposes. Personal information is only shared under the following circumstances:
a. With Authorized Library Vendors – Some third- party services, such as e -book providers and databases, require authentication. While only minimal necessary information is shared to grant access, patrons who use third- party services are subject to the privacy policies of those vendors, which may not reflect the policy of Simi Valley Public Library.
b. By Legal Requirement – If compelled by subpoena, properly executed warrant, court order, or other legally binding request, the Library may be required to disclose personal information. The Simi Valley Public Library will consult legal counsel before compliance and, where legally allowed, will notify affected patrons. c. To Protect Library Property & Safety – In cases of suspected fraud, threats, or illegal activities, the Library may cooperate with law enforcement while ensuring compliance with applicable privacy laws.
Data Security Measures
5. The Library takes reasonable steps to ensure data security, including:
a. Encrypting and protecting personal information stored in digital systems. b. Limiting access to patron data to authorized staff members only. c. Regularly purging or anonymizing old records that are no longer needed. d. Implementing strong password protections and secure access controls.
17 CITY OF SIMI VALLEY
ADMINISTRATIVE POLICIES & PROCEDURES MANUAL
Despite these efforts, Simi Valley Public Library cannot guarantee absolute security. Users should take precautions when using public computers or unsecured networks. Cardholders should inform the Library immediately if their Library card is lost or stolen, or they believe their card or card number is being used without permission.
Third Party Vendors
6. Simi Valley Public Library uses third- party providers and technology to deliver services and content such as databases, streaming media collections, eBooks and eAudiobooks, and communication about library programs, services and patron accounts. All vendor policies must comply with applicable library confidentiality laws. However, patrons should be aware that they may be providing personal information directly to a third-party and that the use of their information is governed by the policies and terms of service of the vendor.
Third-party vendors may collect and disclose patron information, including:
a. Personally identifiable information that is provided when registering for the site or service, providing feedback or suggestions, or creating shared content. b. Other information that could be used to identify patrons, such as IP address, search history, location-based data and device ID.
c. Non-personally identifiable information, including ad and page views, browser information, cookie data, analytics, date/time of request, demographic data, and hardware/software type.
d. Other information as described in the vendor’s privacy policy and terms of service.
By using these third -party services, patrons acknowledge that Simi Valley Public Library is not responsible for how third parties collect and use their personal information. Patrons may always choose not to use third- party vendors or services if they do not accept their policies or terms of service.
Privacy and Minors
7. Simi Valley Public Library respects the privacy of all users, regardless of age, and treats all patron registration records and all library circulation records as confidential in accordance with California State Law (Government Code, Title 1, Division 10, Part 5, Chapter 7, Sections 7927.100, 7927.105). The Library requires a parent or legal guardian’s approval to get a library card. A parent or legal guardian, who presents valid identification, and is identified on the minor’s account, may access a minor ’s borrowing records only if they provide the minor’s Library card or account credentials. The Library does not knowingly collect or share information about minors without consent.
Retention of Records
8. Simi Valley Public Library retains records only for as long as needed for operational purposes. Borrowing history is not stored unless a patron opts in to tracking their reading history. Other personal information, such as account details and fines, is retained only as necessary for account management and legal compliance. 18 CITY OF SIMI VALLEY
ADMINISTRATIVE POLICIES & PROCEDURES MANUAL
User Rights: Access, Correction, and Deletion of Personal Data
9. Simi Valley Public Library patrons have the right to access their personal information and request updates, corrections and deletions, subject to legal and financial record-keeping requirements. Patrons can do this by:
a. Logging into their account online.
b. Calling the library at 805-526-1735.
c. Emailing the Library at [email protected]. d. Visiting the Library and speaking to staff.
Law Enforcement and Government Requests
10. Library records are confidential. Simi Valley Public Library will not disclose information about a patron’s use of Library resources unless:
a. Required by a signed court order, search warrant or subpoena issued by a judge and approved by the City Attorney.
b. There is a substantiated emergency involving immediate threats to life or safety.
All law enforcement inquiries must be directed to the Library Director or [email protected].
Changes to this Privacy Policy
11. This policy may be updated periodically. Any significant changes will be posted on the Library’s website, and patrons will be notified where appropriate.
Contact Information
12. For questions or concerns about this Privacy Policy, contact:
Simi Valley Public Library
2969 Tapo Canyon Road
Phone: (805)-526-1735
Email: [email protected]
Website: www.simivalleylibrary.org
HISTORY
19