By Stacey Zwald Costello, Library Director
When people hear that libraries “weed” books, it can sound alarming! Why would a library remove books from its shelves? In reality, weeding is a thoughtful, professional, and essential part of maintaining a strong, welcoming, and relevant collection.
Weeding is the careful evaluation of materials to identify items that are outdated, worn, inaccurate, or no longer used. Just as gardens require pruning to stay healthy, library collections need regular attention to remain vibrant and easy to navigate. Crowded shelves make it harder for patrons to discover what they need, while a well-maintained collection improves both visibility and circulation.
Our weeding process follows clear, intentional steps:
- Data review: Using circulation reports, we identify books that have not been checked out in five or more years.
- Branch evaluation: Each branch librarian reviews the list and examines the items to determine whether they still have relevance or value to their specific community.
- Final decision: The branch librarian and Collections Development Librarian make a final decision together about whether an item should remain in the collection or be removed.
This approach ensures that decisions are never random or rushed. Accuracy remains a major priority: information in fields such as health, technology, and science changes quickly, and outdated materials can mislead. Condition also matters, and the weeding process helps us to identify popular and well-loved books that need repair or replacement. Finally, space matters. As community needs evolve, we sometimes make room for new formats, refreshed editions, local history materials, or expanded offerings like large-print books, technology, or games.
Even when items are removed from the shelves, many continue to serve the community through Friends’ book sales or replacement with newer editions. Beloved classics, local favorites, and historically significant works are carefully preserved, even if they circulate less frequently.
Ultimately, weeding strengthens the entire collection. It ensures that when you visit the library you find materials that are accurate, appealing, and easy to discover. Far from “getting rid of books,” weeding is an investment in quality, relevance, and the best possible experience for every reader.
A well-weeded library isn’t losing something, it’s growing into something better! To review our weeding policy, visit our website.