REPORT TO COUNCIL
SUBJECT
Title
Proclamation of April 23-29, 2023 as National Library Week
Report
COUNCIL PILLAR
Enhance Community Engagement and Transparency
BACKGROUND
National Library Week (April 23 - 29, 2023) is a time to celebrate our nation's libraries, the contributions of its workers and to promote expanded library use and support. The theme for National Library Week 2023 is "There's More to the Story," to raise awareness that libraries offer so much more than library collections.
Today’s Library lends items like museum passes, games and tools. Library programming brings communities together for entertainment, education, and connection through book clubs, storytimes, movie nights, crafting classes and lectures. In the post-COVID environment, libraries like Santa Clara’s provide internet and technology access, literacy skills training and support for businesses, job seekers and entrepreneurs to help restore the economic vitality of the communities they serve.
In recognition of the many contributions made by the Santa Clara City Library including serving as one of the largest voting centers in the County, as a COVID testing site throughout the pandemic and as one of the City’s primary community gathering hubs for connecting and learning, the Board of Library Trustees at their April 3, 2023 meeting, took action to recommend the City Council proclaim the week of April 23-29 as National Library Week. This proclamation will bring awareness to the impact the Library makes in supporting the cultural, educational, economic, technological and informational needs in the lives of so many in Santa Clara.
DISCUSSION
The American Library Association (ALA) kicks off National Library Week with the release of its State of America's Libraries Report, including the list of Top Ten Most Challenged Books of 2022. The following is a summary of National Library Week events:
Monday, April 24: State of America's Libraries Report released.
Tuesday, April 25: National Library Workers Day, a day for library staff, users, administrators, and Friends groups to recognize the valuable contributions made by all library workers.
Wednesday, April 26: National Library Outreach Day (formerly National Bookmobile Day), a day to celebrate library outreach and the dedicated library professionals who are meeting their patrons where they are.
Thursday, April 27: Take Action for Libraries Day, a day to rally advocates to support libraries.
Santa Clara residents are invited to visit any (or all) of the City’s three locations during the week as we celebrate our libraries.
ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW
This is an informational report only and no action is being taken by the City Council and no environmental review under the California Environmental Quality Act (“CEQA”) is required.
FISCAL IMPACT
There is no fiscal impact.
PUBLIC CONTACT
Public contact was made by posting the Council 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 <mailto:clerk@santaclaraca.gov> or at the public information desk at any City of Santa Clara public library.
Staff
Reviewed by: Patty Wong, City Librarian
Approved by: Cynthia Bojorquez, Assistant City Manager