HomeMy WebLinkAboutBoard of Library Trustees 2025-05-13 Agenda Packet1
BOARD OF LIBRARY TRUSTEES
MAY 13, 2025 AT 6:00PM
CITY HALL LARGE CONFERENCE ROOM
THIRD FLOOR
1400 5TH AVE, SAN RAFAEL, CALIFORNIA
This meeting will be held in person. The meeting is being streamed live via Zoom:
https://bit.ly/BLT-05-13-2025
Want to listen to the meeting over the phone?
Call: (669) 444-9171 and enter 831-2180-3595#
How to participate in the meeting:
• Provide comments in-person at the meeting. You are welcome to come to the meeting and
provide public comment in-person. Each speaker will have 2-minutes to provide public comment.
• Submit your comments by email by 4:00 p.m. the day of the meeting. Comments can be
submitted to jinder.banwait@cityofsanrafael.org.
AGENDA
CALL TO ORDER – 6:00PM
MINUTES
1. Approve regular meeting minutes of April 15, 2025
Recommended Action – Approve as submitted
OPEN TIME FOR PUBLIC EXPRESSION
The public is welcome to address the Library Board at this time on matters not on the agenda that
are within its jurisdiction. Comments may be no longer than 2 minutes and should be respectful to
the community.
SPECIAL PRESENTATIONS
2. Reopening Plan for Downtown Library by Daniel Avalos
OTHER AGENDA ITEMS
If necessary to assure completion of the following items, the Chairperson may establish time limits for
the presentations by individual speakers.
3. Update to Child Safety Policy and Computer and Internet Access Policy
Recommended Action: Receive and Comment
STAFF LIAISON REPORT
4. Other brief program updates or reports on any meetings, conferences, and/or seminars attended
by staff.
COMMISSIONER REPORTS
5. Other brief reports on any meetings, conferences, and/or seminars attended by the Board
members.
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ADJOURNMENT
Any records relating to an agenda item, received by a majority or more of the Board less than 72 hours
before the meeting, shall be available for inspection online and in the city hall large conference room, third
floor, 1400 5th Avenue, San Rafael, California placed with other agenda-related materials on the table in
front of the location prior to the meeting. Sign Language interpreters may be requested by calling (415)
485-3066 (voice), emailing city.clerk@cityofsanrafael.org or using the California Telecommunications Relay
Service by dialing “711”, at least 72 hours in advance of the meeting. Copies of documents are available in
accessible formats upon request. To request Spanish language interpretation, please submit an onli ne form
at https://www.cityofsanrafael.org/request-for-interpretation/.
Minutes subject to approval at the meeting of May 13, 2025
1
BOARD OF LIBRARY TRUSTEES
MINUTES
________________________________________________________________________
City Hall Large Conference Room, Third Floor
1400 5th Ave, San Rafael, CA
April 15, 2025 – 6:00 P.M.
Virtual Meeting Recording Link:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GmXyAvjP4jk
CALL TO ORDER
Chair Andow called the meeting to order at 6:02 P.M.
Roll Call
Present:
Trustee Cortes
Trustee Kyle
Trustee Lee
Chair Andow
Absent:
Trustee Vahdat
Also Present:
Alejandra Barrios, Librarian II (Interim Supervising Librarian)
Daniel Avalos, Assistant Library & Recreation Director/City Librarian
Jinder Banwait, Administrative Analyst
Lea Aschkeans, Librarian II
MINUTES
1. Approve Regular Meeting Minutes of March 11, 2025
Trustees provided comments.
The minutes of March 11, 2025 were approved as submitted.
Trustee Kyle moved, and Chair Andow seconded to approve the minutes of the
March 11, 2025 meeting.
Minutes subject to approval at the meeting of May 13, 2025
2
Ayes: Trustees: Kyle, Lee, and Andow
Noes: Trustees: None
Absent: Trustees: Vahdat
Abstain: Trustees: Cortes
Minutes approved as submitted.
Chair Andow invited public comment; however, there was none.
OPEN TIME FOR PUBLIC EXPRESSION
Public Comment from the audience regarding items not listed on the agenda.
None
SPECIAL PRESENTATIONS
2. Creando Enlaces Conference
Staff responded to questions from the Trustees.
Trustees provided comments.
Chair Andow invited public comment; however, there was none.
OTHER AGENDA ITEMS
3. Update on Library Programming
Staff responded to questions from the Trustees.
Trustees provided comments.
Chair Andow invited public comment; however, there was none.
STAFF LIAISON REPORT
4. Other brief program updates or reports on any meetings, conferences, and/or
seminars attended by staff.
Presentation by Daniel Avalos, Assistant Library & Recreation Director/City Librarian
Staff responded to questions from the Trustees.
Trustees provided comments.
COMMISSIONER REPORTS
Minutes subject to approval at the meeting of May 13, 2025
3
5. Other brief reports on any meetings, conferences, and/or seminars attended
by the Board members.
Trustees provided comments.
Chair Andow invited public comment for agenda item four and agenda item five;
however, there was none.
*Trustee Cortes left the meeting at 7:13 P.M.
NEXT MEETING: May 13, 2025
ADJOURNMENT
The meeting was adjourned at 7:15 P.M.
LIBRARY BOARD OF TRUSTEES
AGENDA REPORT
May 13, 2025
Item #3
TITLE: UPDATE TO CHILD SAFETY POLICY AND COMPUTER AND INTERNET
ACCESS POLICY
RECOMMENDATION:
That the Board receive the report and provide comment.
BACKGROUND:
The San Rafael Public Library (SRPL) initiated a comprehensive review of existing
public-facing policies to ensure they remain clear, relevant, and aligned with our goal to
serve our communities effectively. Staff developed a three-stage process, to review and
update the Library policies. This structured review process—encompassing staff input,
policy updates, and Library Board review—helps keep policies current, leverages the
expertise of staff and Board members, fosters staff ownership of enforceable policies,
and supports the organization’s overall goals.
Several policies are due for review. The Child Safety Policy was last reviewed in 2016,
and the Computer and Internet Access Policy was reviewed in 2017. As part of the
Library’s policy review process, Library staff were invited to review SRPL policies,
compare similar policies from MARINet member libraries, provide input, and suggest
edits based on their direct enforcement of these policies. The drafts of the Child Safety
Policy and the Computer and Internet Access Policy have been updated to include staff
feedback.
DISCUSSION:
Updating the Child Safety Policy and the Computer and Internet Use Policy helps the
Library maintain a safe, welcoming, and inclusive environment for all patrons. These
updates reflect current best practices and provide clear guidance to support staff in
effectively managing day-to-day operations. The revised policies strengthen the
Library’s ability to offer equitable access to resources, protect the safety of children, and
ensure responsible use of technology within a shared public space. Key changes
include:
Child Safety Policy:
The proposed policy update clarifies guidelines for the use of the children's area,
defines supervision expectations, and emphasizes parental responsibility. It outlines the
minimum ages for independent children and caregivers and provides staff with clearer
direction for addressing situations involving unattended children, disruptive behavior,
Page 2 of 2
and those left at closing. Staff are still evaluating these recommendations and are
interested in Library Board feedback.
Computer and Internet Access Policy:
The policy has been reorganized into clearly defined sections to improve accessibility
and ease of use. Within the Public Use and Conduct section, staff have reformatted
existing content into clear, actionable guidelines for patrons using shared public acc ess
computers or personal devices at any library branch. A new guideline clarifies that one -
time-use guest passes for computer access are intended for visitors, not for regular use
by individuals eligible for a library card. Additional revisions also empha size that parents
are responsible for overseeing their children's internet use. It is important to note that
this policy has not yet undergone legal review, which will be critical given the complexity
and legal nuance of this particular policy.
Next Steps:
Evaluate Board’s comments and continue to refine proposed policies as appropriate.
Seek legal review of updated policies as necessary. The final versions of these policies
will be brought back to the Library Board for adoption.
FISCAL IMPACT
There is no fiscal impact associated with these policy updates.
Submitted by:
Daniel Avalos
Assistant Library & Recreation Director
Attachment 1 – Current Child Safety Policy
Attachment 2 – Updated Child Safety Policy
Attachment 3 – Current Computer and Internet Use Policy
Attachment 4 – Updated Computer and Internet Use Policy
Child Safety Policy
Child Safety Policy
The San Rafael Public Library is dedicated to providing a safe and welcoming environment
for families and children. To make the Library an enjoyable place and to encourage a love of
books, reading, and learning, we offer designated children’s areas, programs, and services
for children. We hope you will help your children make effective use of the Library and
assist them in selecting books and materials, using technology, or attending programs.
Together, we can provide a fun and positive experience when visiting the San Rafael Public
Library.
Access to Children’s Areas
The Children’s Area is specifically designed to serve the needs of young customers in our
libraries. Children and their caregivers can browse and select materials and use the
children’s area and technology. Teens and adults in the Children’s Area are encouraged to
browse and select materials in the Children’s Area as well; however, to preserve the
Children’s Area for use by children, teens and adults not accompanied by children will be
asked to use other areas of the libraries for reading, studying, and other activities. Children
are defined as individuals 14 years old and younger.
Unattended Children
Staff members are not responsible for supervising individual children. If your child is under
the age of 8, please be sure he/she is supervised at all times by a responsible caregiver
aged 15 or older. If library staff cannot locate a parent or caregiver, local law enforcement
will be notified to assure the child’s safety.
Parent Expectations and Responsibilities
Because the Library is a public place, children’s safety cannot be guaranteed. Children may
encounter hazards such as stairs, elevators, doors, furniture, electrical equipment, or
other Library customers. The conduct, safety, and supervision of children while on Library
premises is the responsibility of parents, guardians, and caregivers. It is the responsibility
of parents, guardians, and caregivers to determine the needs of their children and to
provide supervision accordingly. While our staff values the safety of children, only parents,
guardians, and caregivers can provide appropriate supervision of children.
Staff Role
The library encourages frequent visits by children and their families. However, library staff
cannot provide child care or assume responsibility for children’s safety. Parents, guardians,
teachers and caregivers, not library staff, are responsible for the behavior and safety of
ATTACHMENT 1
children visiting the library. Staff cannot be placed in the position of supervising
unattended children.
Approved by the Library Board of Trustees January 12, 2016
[DRAFT] Child Safety Policy
Purpose
The San Rafael Public Library welcomes children and families and is committed to
providing a safe, inclusive, and welcoming environment. This policy is designed to promote
a safe and respectful space for all users and supports staff in maintaining a welcoming
public space.
Use of the Children’s Area
The Children’s Area is specifically designed to meet the needs of young library patrons.
• Children and their caregivers are encouraged to explore and select materials, as
well as utilize the children’s area and available technology.
• Teens and adults are welcome to browse materials in the children’s area. Teens and
adults not accompanied by children will be kindly asked to use other library areas
for reading, studying, and other activities.
Age Requirements and Supervision
• Children under the age of 8 must be accompanied and directly supervised at all
times by a responsible caregiver who is at least 14 years old and capable of ensuring
the child's safety and appropriate behavior while in the library.
• Children ages 8 and older may use the library independently, provided they can
follow rules and behave in accordance with our guidelines for library use.
• If an unattended child of any age is found in distress, behaving disruptively, or
unable to care for themselves, library staff may take appropriate steps as outlined
below.
Unattended or At-Risk Children
Library Staff will act if a child is:
• Left alone and under the age of 8 without a caregiver aged 14 or older.
• Behaving in a manner that is disruptive.
• Unable to provide contact information for a caregiver when needed.
• Left at the library at closing.
Staff members are not responsible for supervising individual children. If library staff cannot
locate a parent or caregiver, local law enforcement will be notified to assure the child’s
safety.
Library Staff Limitations
The conduct, safety, and supervision of children while on Library premises is the
responsibility of parents, guardians, and caregivers. Library staff:
• Cannot supervise children or assume caregiver responsibilities.
• Are not permitted to transport children.
ATTACHMENT 2
Computer and Internet Access Policy
The library’s computer and internet access is intended to fulfill, in part, the library’s mission
of developing resources and services that meet the cultural, informational, recreational,
and educational needs of the San Rafael community, and of supporting the individual’s
right to know by providing free access to information.
The library adheres to the American Library Association’s policy statement Access to
Electronic Information, Services, and Networks: An Interpretation of the Library Bill of
Rights, which supports the right of individuals to choose library materials for themselves,
including those in electronic formats.
Just as with printed material, not all information available on the internet is accurate,
complete, up-to-date, lawful, or philosophically acceptable to all individuals. The library
does not limit access to sites on the internet or censor information that some may find
offensive. The library does not monitor an individual’s use of the internet; nor does the
library employ filtering software.
Computer users are cautioned that the library is a public area that is shared by Library
users of all ages, backgrounds, and sensibilities. Users of both their own computing
devices and those provided by the library are asked to respect the sensibilities of others
when accessing potentially offensive information or images.
Library computers shall not be used for any illegal purpose, including, but not limited to,
the viewing, receiving or dissemination of sexually explicit, obscene, or harmful images
prohibited by law. (See, San Rafael Municipal Code section 8.36.010; California Penal
Code Penal Code Sections 311 et seq. and 313 et seq.; and the Federal Protection of
Children Against Sexual Exploitation Act of 1977 (18 USC 2252).
Violation of use of the computers/internet or of the library’s other related policies
(e.g. Guidelines for Library Use) may result in suspension of library privileges and/or
criminal prosecution.
The library encourages parents and guardians to participate with their children in using
library resources and the internet. The Library affirms the right and responsibility of a
parent to determine and monitor their child’s internet access. As with other library
materials, restriction of a child’s access to the internet is the responsibility of the parent or
legal guardian. Computers reserved for the exclusive use by children, or children with
guardians, are available in children’s areas of the Library. Children must be 14 years of age
or younger to use internet computers in the children’s area
Approved by the Library Board of Trustees February 14, 2017
ATTACHMENT 3
[DRAFT]Computer and Internet Access Policy
Purpose
The Library’s computer and internet access is intended to support the Library’s goal of
developing resources and services that meet the cultural, informational, recreational, and
educational needs of the San Rafael community.
Access to Electronic Information
The Library adheres to the American Library Association’s policy statement, Access to
Digital Resources and Services: An Interpretation of the Library Bill of Rights, which
supports the right of individuals to select library materials for themselves, including those
in electronic formats.
As with printed materials, not all information available on the internet is accurate,
complete, current, lawful, or acceptable to all individuals. The Library does not limit access
to websites, censor online content, or use filtering software. Similarly, the Library does not
monitor individual internet usage.
Public Use and Conduct
The Library is a shared public space. Users are expected to follow these guidelines when
using library computers or their own devices:
• Library cardholders must use their own library card to access public computers.
Guest passes are intended for one-time use by visitors and are not available for
regular use by those eligible for a library card.
• Users must respect the sensibilities of others when accessing information or
images, particularly content that could be considered offensive. Content displayed
on screens may be visible to others, including children.
• Library computers and internet access must not be used for illegal purposes,
including, but not limited to, viewing, receiving, or distributing sexually explicit,
obscene, or harmful material prohibited by law. (Relevant laws include, San Rafael
Municipal Code section 8.36.010; California Penal Code Penal Code Sections 311
et seq. and 313 et seq.; and the Federal Protection of Children Against Sexual
Exploitation Act of 1977 (18 USC 2252).
All users must comply with this policy and the Library’s Guidelines for Library Use. Failure
to do so may result in suspension of library privileges and/or criminal prosecution.
Parental Responsibility
The Library encourages parents and guardians to actively engage with their children when
using library resources, including the internet. It is the parent’s or legal guardian’s
responsibility to determine and monitor their child’s internet use, as library staff do not
restrict access. Computers designated for children are available in the Children’s Area.
ATTACHMENT 4