REPORT TO BOARD OF LIBRARY TRUSTEES
SUBJECT
Title
Action to Review and Approve Work Plan 2025
Report
BACKGROUND
The Board of Library Trustees reviewed and developed an annual work plan at their February 3, 2025 meeting, and approved the contents at the March 3, 2025 meeting. Further review on the presentation of the work plan took place at the May 5, 2025 meeting.
DISCUSSION
It was decided that Council will review the work plans for the City of Santa Clara Boards and Commissions in a single report to Council, with work plans attached. The Board will review the work plan in the new template provided for Council review and receive information on the change in process.
The 2025-26 Workplan provides direction to key areas of priority for the Board of Library Trustees and particularly support for the upcoming Strategic Plan and Facilities Master Plan. The workplan includes support for the ongoing funding for the Library beyond the approved current budget for the forthcoming two years and to explore additional alternative funding support for library services. The Board will develop stronger communication with the public, the Foundation and Friends and will act as liaisons with City commissions that are natural allies to the Library. The workplan continues the Board’s commitment to reviewing all Library policies on a regular basis and completing this review in 2026. Finally, the workplan addresses the Board of Library Trustees commitment to excellence through board development opportunities, education about the role of libraries in the United States and local library operations.
Prior versions of the Workplan were not approved by Council but included investment in a new mission and vision for the Library and engagement with the public to create the Strategic Plan and support development of the Facilities Master Plan through significant outreach to the community and City Boards and Commissions about the Library’s future service. The Board is committed to increasing Library service and connecting that growth to the development and population projections for the City. The Board focused on reviewing Library policies that had not been updated for more than 10 years. Another accomplishment of the Board was the review of the Collection Development Policy to meet the requirements of the AB 1825 California Freedom to Read Act which safeguards the ongoing commitment of intellectual freedom and the Library’s ability to cultivate a diverse and broad collection. Prior workplans emphasized the ongoing need for maintaining financial stability for the Library, with a goal of restoration of hours and increasing staff capacity.
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 Clerk’s office.
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
Action to Approve Final Work Plan 2025.
Staff
Reviewed by: Sami James, Management Analyst
Approved by: Patty Wong, City Librarian
ATTACHMENTS
1. BCC Template for Workplan
2. Draft Board of Library Trustees Workplan 2025 (Redline)
3. Draft Board of Library Trustees Workplan 2025
4. Original Draft Work Plan 2025