Los Alamos County Library Board Meeting - April 6, 2026

The Los Alamos County Library Board met on April 6, 2026, at 5:30 PM at the White Rock Branch Library. The meeting included approval of previous minutes, a presentation on National Library Week celebrations, a detailed staff presentation on revisions to the Collection Development Guidelines, and reports from the Chair, Friends of the Library, and staff. The board also discussed updates from the Boards and Commissions Luncheon and the County Council liaison.

Consent Calendar

• Approval of Minutes: The Board approved the minutes from the March 2, 2026 Library Board meeting with a motion by Board Member Parker and second by Vice Chair Chappel. All members voted in favor.

Public Comments & Testimony

• No public comments were made.

Discussion Items

• National Library Week Celebrations (April 19–25, 2026): Library Manager Gwen Kalavaza outlined planned activities, including a proclamation at the County Council meeting on April 7, a staff luncheon on April 21, and coffee and donuts on April 23. Board members were invited to assist with these events. The traditional banner for the overpass could not be hung this year because all permit slots were filled; the Board discussed exploring alternative banner placements and submitting requests earlier in the future.
• Staff Presentation on Revisions to Collection Development Guidelines: Senior Librarian Liza Rivera presented the updated 2026 guidelines. Key changes include: (1) moving the 17 selection criteria from the guidelines into the official Library Policies for greater authority; (2) adding a new "Purposes of the Collection" section; (3) developing guidance on artificial intelligence (AI)-generated resources—prioritizing human-created works, allowing AI-generated materials only when necessary (e.g., for accessibility), and labeling such content when possible; (4) expanding the deselection section with detailed criteria (physical condition, obsolescence, low usage, duplication, relevance, format, space limitations, availability elsewhere); and (5) refining the Request for Reconsideration process, which starts with a conversation with the Library Manager, then a formal written request, with appeal to the Director of Community Services and a committee including the patron, Library Board Chair, and Council liaison. The Board asked clarifying questions about the Library of Things display, the reconsideration process, and tools for patrons to flag AI content.
• Chair's Report: Chair Elizabeth Stelle reported that the Library Board Work Plan was presented to County Council on March 17 and received positive feedback. She highlighted the final report of the County's Inclusivity Task Force, which praised the library for sensory-sensitive events, dedication to inclusive systems, and social media presence. Recommendations relevant to the library included land acknowledgments and visibility of Pueblo culture (noted as needing a county-wide approach), website accessibility (already being addressed), and the Sunflower Project for hidden disabilities (to be explored). The report was suggested as a resource for the upcoming community needs assessment.
• Boards and Commissions Luncheon Report: Chair Stelle shared updates: a working group will review the boards and commissions charter and interview questions; County Council may consider quarterly reviews of board work plans; there are several board vacancies; the Art in Public Places Board reported that the Dino World mural in Mesa Public Library may be decommissioned due to a large crack; and the Parks and Recreation Board refreshed the building entry at Mesa Public Library with new benches, rocks, and landscaping.
• Friends of Los Alamos County Library Liaison Report: Board Member Michele Altherr reported that the Friends continue to generate $1,200–$1,500 per week from their bookstore. They will provide a larger block grant to the library this year. They earn about $788 annually from selling removed books to ThriftBooks. Puzzles are no longer checked out due to feasibility issues; alternative puzzle sources were listed. The Friends are updating their bylaws and seeking a treasurer. They agreed to sign up for Venmo for donations.
• Manager's Report: Library Manager Gwen Kalavaza reported March circulation: print 19,757, digital 8,759 (31% of total). The library held 80 programs with 1,829 attendees—one of the highest attendance months. Upcoming events include a White Rock Discover series on wildfire preparedness (April 16) and a poetry reading (April 25). Summer reading program begins June 1 with the theme "Plant a Seed, Read." A community assessment survey will open in early May. Staffing is fully filled. Positive patron feedback was received regarding the White Rock Discover series and grocery assistance distribution.
• Council Liaison: Councilor David Reagor clarified that the Art in Public Places Board wanted to participate in the Semiquincentennial art show but could not handle procurement due to lead time; the show will instead feature Route 66-inspired art. He also noted that the Board is considering deaccessioning outdoor art, including a baseball-themed piece in front of the library that is deteriorating and may be replaced, as well as the dinosaur mural in the library's lower level.

Key Outcomes

• Approved: Minutes of March 2, 2026 meeting.
• National Library Week: Board members will assist with staff appreciation events; staff will explore alternative banner placements and earlier permit requests for future years.
• Collection Development Guidelines: The presentation was received; the guidelines are considered updated and will be used for library operations. No formal vote was taken as this was a presentation.
• Community Assessment Survey: Staff will incorporate input from the Board's fall discussions into the survey opening in May.
• Next Meeting: The next Library Board meeting is scheduled for June 1, 2026, at 5:30 PM at the Municipal Building in Los Alamos (no meeting in May).