REPORT TO BOARD OF LIBRARY TRUSTEES
SUBJECT
Title
Update on the Recruitment of a New City Librarian, and Action to Select Special Meeting Dates for Closed Session Interviews
Report
BACKGROUND
City Librarian Patty Wong has announced that she will be retiring in December 2026. Per Section 1013(b) of the City Charter of Santa Clara, one of the Board of Library Trustees’ duties is to “Approve or disapprove the appointment of a librarian who shall be the department head.”
The recruitment process for the City Librarian was launched on July 9, 2026, and applications closed on August 9, 2026. The first round of interviews for City Librarian will be held on September 18, 2026. The Board of Library Trustees, excluding the Chair, will hold closed-session interviews with the top 2-5 candidates between September 21, 2026 and October 2, 2026. The Board of Library Trustees will submit their recommendations of the top 2-3 candidates to be interviewed by the City Manager and Chair of the Board of Library Trustees targeting the week of October 5, 2026.
DISCUSSION
The application period for the position of City Librarian was open July 9, 2026 - August 9, 2026. The City received approximately 64 applications which were reviewed and screened against established desirable screening criteria. The most competitive 8 candidates are advanced to the first-round interview on September 18, 2026. Following the first-round interviews, the top 2-4 candidates will return for closed session interviews with the Board of Library Trustees. The next regular meeting of the Board of Library Trustees takes place on October 5, 2026, so a special meeting will need to be scheduled for the Board interviews.
Human Resources is coordinating the interview process and is recommending closed session interview dates between September 21 and October 2, 2026.
A representative from Human Resources will be available at the special meeting to facilitate the interview process, assist the Board of Library Trustees with internal discussions, and answer questions regarding the interview process.
Following the closed session interviews, the Board of Library Trustees will identify and recommend its top candidate(s) to proceed to a final interview with the City Manager and Chair of the Board of Library Trustees.
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
There is no fiscal impact.
COORDINATION
This report was prepared in coordination with the City Attorney’s Office and Human Resources.
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
1. Note and file update on the Recruitment of a new City Librarian,
2. Identify Special Meeting Dates between September 21, 2026 and October 2, 2026 for Closed Session Interviews
Staff
Reviewed by: Sami James, Management Analyst
Approved by: Patty Wong, City Librarian