REPORT TO BOARD OF LIBRARY TRUSTEES
SUBJECT
Title
Update on Library Strategic Plan Activities
Report
BACKGROUND
On February 10, 2026 the Library Strategic Plan (Attachment 1) was approved by City Council. Developed with strong community engagement, thorough data analysis and the support and participation of the Board of Library Trustees (BOLT), the Strategic Plan provides a clear 3-year vision of operational and service priorities. It includes 3 high-level priorities, each supported by specific and actionable initiatives to guide staff towards the achievement of goals.
Priority #1 is Increasing Community Connection. As a public service-oriented department, the Library listened closely to the feedback received from the community. Based on the feedback, the Library identified a need to communicate and collaborate more closely with library users and non-users to increase the impact of services and to reach more of the public. Objectives include increasing collaboration and partnerships with local schools and community organizations, and strengthening marketing and outreach to increase access. Stronger communication and partnership with the community is the primary path to bringing library services closer to the community we serve.
Priority #2 is Improving Capacity. The Library focuses on improvements to organizational structures, training, tools and policies to provide the best service with current resources, including prioritizing volunteer and staff development.
Priority #3 is Building a Stronger Today for a Better Tomorrow. This final priority focuses on specific changes and improvements to make now, in order to plant the seeds for strong development and growth in the coming 3 years. This includes developing processes and implementing technology to improve access to information and services, operate more effectively, and better measure and evaluate the use and effectiveness of programs and services. It also includes prioritizing the maintenance and adaptation of Library facilities to current needs, realized in part with the draft Facilities Master Plan.
The Strategic Plan is available on the Library’s website at sclibrary.org.
DISCUSSION
The Board of Library Trustees will receive an update on staff activities in support of Strategic Plan goals.
Library Update on Staff Activities Supporting Strategic Plan Goals
• Policy Updates
o Library staff are reviewing and updating several policies this year, which will be shared with the Board. Currently, staff are reviewing the Internet Use Policy for adults and children.
• Facilities Master Plan and Facility Improvements
o The Library is coordinating with the Purchasing and Public Works departments to move forward towards the production of design plans in support of Facilities Master Plan recommendations, supported by Measure I funds. This work is expected to continue into 2027.
o The Library Café has been reopened as of September 1, 2026, serving a variety of beverages and healthy, tasty food.
o An ERRCS Radio Transmitter system is being installed in the underground garage at Central Park Library. This CIP project enables emergency responders to make critical radio calls out from the garage despite the heavy concrete construction, improving safety measures.
o A “Central Park Library” sign was installed on the rear of the building, matching the style of the front sign. This enables park visitors to identify the building from the rear.
o A new Automated Materials Handling System (AMHS) is being installed at Northside Branch Library this winter. This CIP project replaces the old failing system, which sorts and checks in returned Library materials and automates repetitive-motion manual tasks.
o Northside Branch Library has enabled after-hours community room access with security system improvements.
• Increased Outreach Efforts
o Staff have coordinated regular services and tabling with TRUST, a community service to help Santa Clara County residents during mental health or substance use situations.
o The Library has partnered with Santa Clara Unified School District to successfully roll out the Student Library Card this school year. All Preschool-12 Santa Clara students can now receive automatic library cards, with the option for families to opt out.
o The Citizenship Day 2026 program featured help for community members seeking guidance with Naturalization Applications, in partnership with the local chapter of the American Immigration Lawyers Association.
o A Memory Screening Workshop was held with in partnership with the Stanford Alzheimer’s Disease Research Center, responding to information needs in the community.
o Mission Branch Library has initiated a series of talks featuring professors from Santa Clara University,
• Increased Multilingual Services
o Staff are developing a basic computer use class in Korean.
o Staff have increased efforts to provide Chinese-language translation services for Library communications.
o Staff have increased coordination with other library systems to strengthen cataloging of Spanish-language materials.
• Increased Community Awareness of Library Programs and Services
o Annual Report
§ The first of planned regular Annual Reports is currently being drafted. The Annual Report is meant to share news and updates about the Library and our services with the wider community, and will be made available for the public in print and online. The Board of Library Trustees and the Santa Clara City Library Foundation and Friends will receive copies to share and distribute when engaging with the community.
o Information for New Library Card Holders
§ A welcome email for new library card holders is being developed to help new users be aware of and access all the resources and services available at the Library.
• Collection Management
o Staff are engaged in efforts to integrate the adult genre collections, such as mystery and science fiction, into the adult fiction collection to create stronger access.
o Staff have been engaged in focused weeding out damaged or outdated materials, particularly impactful in areas such as travel guides, standardized test preparation, and computers and technology. This effort pairs with regular purchasing of new and replacement materials to ensure a relevant and timely collection.
o Staff are in progress implementing back-end catalog improvements for print and electronic materials
ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW
The action being considered does not constitute a “project” within the meaning of the California Environmental Quality Act (“CEQA”) pursuant to CEQA Guidelines section 15378(b)(5) in that it is a governmental organizational or administrative activity that will not result in direct or indirect changes in the environment.
FISCAL IMPACT
Initiatives supporting Strategic Plan goals as listed above are supported by regular Library budgeting and CIP project funds. Development of design plans in support of Facilities Master Plan recommendations will be funded with Measure I.
COORDINATION
This report was prepared by Library staff.
PUBLIC CONTACT
Public contact was made by posting the Board agenda on the City’s official-notice bulletin board outside City Hall Council Chambers. A complete agenda packet is available on the City’s website and in the City Clerk’s Office at least 72 hours prior to a Regular Meeting and 24 hours prior to a Special Meeting. A hard copy of any agenda report may be requested by contacting the City Clerk’s Office at (408) 615-2220, email clerk@santaclaraca.gov or at the public information desk at any City of Santa Clara public library.
RECOMMENDATION
Recommendation
Note and File Update on Library Strategic Plan Activities
Staff
Reviewed by: Sami James, Management Analyst
Approved by: Patty Wong, City Librarian
ATTACHMENTS
1. Santa Clara City Library Strategic Plan