REPORT TO BOARD OF LIBRARY TRUSTEES
SUBJECT
Title
Proclamation of April 19-25, 2026 as National Library Week
Report
BACKGROUND
National Library Week (April 19-25, 2026) is an annual celebration highlighting the valuable role that libraries, librarians, and library workers play in transforming lives and strengthening our communities. Libraries are inclusive places, and the Santa Clara City Library (“Library”) celebrates the joy in bringing our community together for stories, information, public spaces and community gatherings. Here in Santa Clara, the Library is where people of all ages, backgrounds and beliefs are welcome.
The theme of National Library Week 2026 is “Find Your Joy,” and 2026 already looks to be a joyful year at the Library. With support from City Council, the Library has finalized its 3-year Strategic Plan and 20-year Facilities Master Plan. These studies build on data, demographics, and strong community engagement to inform and develop a vision of the future of our Library services and facilities, where all are welcomed to “Discover what’s possible.”
The residents of the City of Santa Clara saw a need for a local library as far back as 1870, when the Santa Clara Library Association formed and collected over 300 volumes to share with residents at the Odd Fellows Hall on Washington and Franklin Streets. Since the construction of the first Library in 1955, where the Mission Branch Library now stands, the possibilities and resources shared with City residents have grown exponentially. From multilingual artificial intelligence programs and story times to teen library card design contests, STEM Zone and Comic Con events, the first small 19th century Library collection has grown into a dynamic library system and community hub with a strong, diverse collection and programming that brings people together. In the 2026 Every Story Counts statewide survey, Santa Clara respondents most frequently identified the Library strengths as services and books for youth (including storytime), the quality and breadth of the physical collection, and friendly and helpful staff. The survey found that the most common reasons to use the library was to borrow items, attend programs, use the space, get information, and to learn or try something new.
The Library welcomed 753,139 visitors in FY 2024-25, and with increased investment in our diverse collection of materials including greater investment in e-books and audiobooks, circulation of library materials has increased 25% from the prior year, to 1,863,357 in FY 2024-25. Community members come to the Library eager for books, music and movies; computers and tech help; community rooms, individual and group study and work spaces; the Library of Things; and programs and services for all ages. Entertainment and informational, educational, cultural and language resources are available for all ages, with books and materials in over ten languages, featuring Chinese, Spanish, Japanese, Korean and Ukrainian.
The Library also plays a critical role in supporting the needs of the Santa Clara community by providing assistance to job seekers, small businesses, and entrepreneurs from all economic, social and cultural backgrounds through internet and technology access, literacy skill support, and connection to services, resources and information. By providing opportunities for all members of the community to gather and connect over shared interests, programs, and meeting spaces for local individuals and groups, the Library provides accessible and inclusive places that promote a sense of local connection, advancing understanding, civic engagement, and shared community goals.
DISCUSSION
The theme for the American Library Association’s (“ALA”) National Library Week 2026, “Find Your Joy,” was chosen to express how libraries provide free, welcoming, open-to-all spaces for communities to find and share stories and knowledge, connection and inspiration. National Library Week takes place from April 19-25, 2026, and is celebrated across the country.
The proclamation of April 19-25, 2026 as National Library Week raises awareness of how the Santa Clara City Library works to improve the quality of life for all Santa Clara residents. These efforts materialize every day in the free and welcoming spaces, collections, services and programs designed to nurture the intellectual freedom, cultural expression and social health and connection of the community. The Library concretely supports the intellectual freedom and freedom to read of its community by providing a diverse and balanced collection including challenged and banned books, accessible and shared through displays and book lists, so community members of all economic situations have the resources to read and think freely.
The Library invites the community to participate in National Library Week this April 19-25, 2026 by visiting the library and sharing what books, programs and events brought them the most joy this year. The community is invited to a special screening of “Free for All: The Public Library,” on April 22, 2026 at Central Park Library, a documentary sharing the radical history of a civic institution where everything is free and the doors are open to all. As the new Library mission statement reads, the Library works to “Enhance lives and strengthen our diverse communities by providing the best in information, cultural and technical enrichment, a wide range of programs and services, and opportunities to achieve dreams.”
City Librarian, Patty Wong, and Chair of the Board of Library Trustees, Jonathon Evans, will receive the proclamation.
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(a) as it has no potential for resulting in either a direct physical change in the environment, or a reasonably foreseeable indirect physical change in the environment.
FISCAL IMPACT
There is no fiscal impact other than staff time.
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 or at the public information desk at any City of Santa Clara public library.
RECOMMENDATION
Recommend that the City Council proclaim April 19-25, 2026 as National Library Week in the City of Santa Clara.
Staff
Reviewed by: Patty Wong, Director, Library
Approved by: Jovan D. Grogan, City Manager
ATTACHMENTS
1. Proclamation of April 19-25, 2026 as National Library Week