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 ...
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