REPORT TO BOARD OF LIBRARY TRUSTEES
SUBJECT
Title
Discussion and Possible Action on Conducting Outreach to Support the Library due to Federal Funding Cuts to Library Services and Potential Establishment of a Subcommittee to Implement Board’s Actions
Report
BACKGROUND
At the April 7, 2025 Board of Library Trustees meeting, the Board received an informational update on the federal funding cut to the Institute of Museum and Library Services and the services at Santa Clara City Library that are likely to be impacted. This federal budget cut resulted in the termination of Library Services and Technology Act (LSTA) federal grant awards, whose contributions to the California State Library helped support access to resources, collections and services used by the Santa Clara City Library.
Anticipated likely impacts reviewed by the Board include the elimination or reduction of funding to support informational databases and e-resources used by the community, as well as grant support used in past years to support Read Santa Clara’s literacy programs, and summer enrichment, STEAM and literacy programs provided for youth and teens. Recent efforts such as outreach to underserved communities like Montague Park, the Homework Help Center and the Teens Lead and Learn program were supported by California State Library grants, supported by LSTA funds.
The California State Library has provided more specific information on the services to be impacted, indicating that unless federal funding is restored or backfilled, State Library LSTA-funded competitive grant programs will be discontinued. These include
• Community Impact Grants
• eBooks for All California
• Play for All
• Sustainable California Libraries
• Teens Succeed
The following resources are also expected to be discontinued:
• Funds to add titles to California’s Bookshelf and statewide access to the materials
• Subscriptions to the New York Times
• Free access to Cal Matters for Learning
• Free access to continuing education and leadership opportunities for library staff through
• California Libraries Learn (CALL)
• Resource guides, collections of books, and training for staff to support summer reading programs
• Subscriptions to ProLiteracy and Change Agent, and training and resources for local library literacy programs
• Subscriptions to VolunteerMatch, and support for recruiting, training, and working with volunteers
• Free access to PolicyMap, mapping and data analytics tool, and training for staff in collecting and using data
• Preservation and digitization services for your collections, training for library staff, and support for setting up memory labs
The Santa Clara City Library, like many libraries nationwide, is analyzing the cost impact to prioritized resources, programs and services, and preparing team discussions to make decisions about what offerings may need to be cut or reduced to stay within budget.
DISCUSSION
Discussion will be held by the Board on potential actions to take in support of the library, beyond preparing letters for congressional representatives as planned at the April 7, 2025 board meeting. Potential topics previously raised by the Board include outreach in the community, outreach to potential influencers, draft or template letters to share with the community advocating for library funding, or letters to the editor.
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 related to this report.
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
Discuss and take action to identify next steps in supporting and advocating for the Library in the community.
Staff
Reviewed by: Sami James, Management Analyst
Approved by: Patty Wong, City Librarian