REPORT TO COUNCIL
SUBJECT
Title
Proclamation of April 7-13, 2024 as National Library Week
Report
COUNCIL PILLAR
Enhance Community Engagement and Transparency
BACKGROUND
National Library Week (April 7-13, 2024) is a time to celebrate the valuable contributions of libraries, librarians and library workers to the intellectual, educational, cultural and civic life of their communities. The theme for National Library Week 2024 is “Ready, Set, Library! Race to discover the possibilities at your library.”
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 Santa Clara City Library (Library) in 1955, where the Mission Branch Library now stands, the possibilities and resources shared with City residents have grown exponentially. With a current physical and digital collection of approximately 2.45 million items, circulating over 1.78 million times in Fiscal Year (FY) 2022-2023, the Library now offers more resources and opportunities than ever for residents of Santa Clara. With dedicated funding, the Library was able to meet community demand for expanded hours in October 2023, increasing systemwide public open hours from 88 to 144 hours per week, marking a significant recovery from the impacts of COVID on public services.
The Library is a hub for a broad range of offerings for everyone. Today’s library patrons use the library as a place to learn about a wide diversity of perspectives on society, politics and culture. Through the library, they connect with services to pursue citizenship, find a place to exercise their voting rights, receive tax help and even borrow tools, cameras, hiking supplies and parks passes.
Beyond the typical library services and resources, the Library provides welcoming technology centers with free public access to computers, e-resources and technology classes and support. The Library offers the tools and training to help the public connect with the latest technology, such as new classes to help the community learn how to use and leverage emerging Artificial Intelligence (A.I.) technologies, and services to allow community members to digitize and archive historic and family photos and collections.
The Library supports children and families through services such as homework help, safe after-school spaces, and storytelling activities. All of this helps expand literacy and family connection while providing community building opportunities and acceptance of one another for our differences. For adults and families with limited English language and literacy skills, Read Santa Clara provides resources and services through adult literacy, family literacy and ESL services as well as Career Online High School. Santa Clara residents of all ages benefit from book clubs connecting them to other community members with shared interests and provides cultural and language resources, including books and materials in over ten languages with regional interest and demand, including Chinese, Japanese, Hindi, Korean and Spanish.
DISCUSSION
The American Library Association’s (ALA) theme for National Library Week 2024 is “Ready, Set, Library!”, to promote the idea that in our online world, libraries give a green light to something truly special: a place to connect with others, learn new skills and focus on what matters most. No matter where you find yourself on the roadmap through life’s journey, whether it’s preparing for a new career, launching a business, or raising a family, your library provides an inclusive and supportive community where everyone belongs.
This year’s National Library Week, occurring April 7-13, 2024, features several days of note:
Monday, April 8: Right to Read Day - A National Day of Action in support of the right to read. The State of America's Libraries Report is also released on this day, including Top Ten Most Challenged Books of 2023.
Tuesday, April 9: National Library Workers Day - A day to recognize the valuable contributions made by library workers.
Wednesday, April 10: National Library Outreach Day - A day for the dedicated library professionals who are meeting their patrons where they are.
Thursday, April 11: Take Action for Libraries Day - A day to rally advocates to urge members of Congress to protect the freedom to read.
The proclamation of April 7-13, 2024 as National Library Week raises awareness about the positive impact that the Santa Clara City Library has on improving the quality of life for Santa Clara 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 invites the community to participate in National Library Week by visiting City libraries and sharing stories about how the library has impacted Santa Claran’s.
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 <mailto:clerk@santaclaraca.gov> or at the public information desk at any City of Santa Clara public library.
Staff
Reviewed by: Sami James, Management Analyst
Approved by: Patty Wong, City Librarian
ATTACHMENTS
1. Draft Proclamation - National Library Week 2024
2. 2022-23 Infographic from State Library Report