The City of Carlsbad Library Board of Trustees convened on July 23, 2025, to discuss various topics related to library services and collection policies. The meeting focused on the criteria for adding new materials to the library's collection, community engagement in purchasing requests, and the collaboration with other libraries.

The first item on the agenda addressed the library's policy for acquiring new books. Board members clarified that materials must be published by reputable publishers and professionally produced to be considered for the collection. They emphasized that community requests play a significant role in this process. If a patron suggests a book, the library evaluates it against their collection requirements before making a purchase.

Additionally, the board discussed the library's ability to provide access to materials not currently in their collection. Patrons can request books through interlibrary loans or the State of California Link Plus service, allowing them to borrow items from other libraries. This collaborative approach ensures that a wider range of materials is available to the community, even if specific titles are not held in the Carlsbad library.

The meeting also touched on recent legislation related to library collections, which is aligned with the principles of the American Library Association's Freedom to Read Act and the Library Bill of Rights. Board members noted that there appeared to be no significant conflicts between the American Library Association's guidance and the new legislation.

In a notable discussion, the board acknowledged that the library's collection now includes items created by artificial intelligence, reflecting the evolving nature of library resources.

Overall, the meeting highlighted the library's commitment to serving the community's needs while adhering to established guidelines for collection development. The board plans to continue engaging with patrons to ensure that the library remains a valuable resource for all.