REPORT TO COUNCIL
SUBJECT
Title
Proclamation of April 6-12, 2025 as National Library Week
Report
BACKGROUND
National Library Week (April 6-12, 2025) is an annual celebration highlighting the valuable role that libraries, librarians, and library workers play in transforming lives and strengthening our communities. The theme for National Library Week 2025 is "Drawn to the 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 600,258 visitors and a diverse collection of materials circulating 1,594,219 times in FY 2023-24, the Library continues to draw in community members eager for not only books but music and movies; technological equipment, help and resources; community rooms and spaces; and programs and services like bilingual story time, tax help, reference and information services, and literacy and ESL support. Well-known for its service to children and families, the Library provides endless reading for youth of all ages, homework help, board games, and programming from STEM activities to Lego Club. 2024 also saw the addition of a Ukrainian collection for children, helping families maintain cultural and linguistic traditions for the next generation. Library services are just as strong for Santa Clara residents of all ages. Adults from many backgrounds join book clubs, conversation clubs, and other programs connecting them to other community members with shared interests. Entertainment and informational, educational, cultural and language resources are available for all ages, with books and materials in over ten languages, featu...
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