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Home My WebLink About02-25-2015 Library Commission Meeting Packet JO( City of Saratoga library Commission AGENDA DATE: February 25, 2015 TIME: 4:00 p.m. LOCATION: Saratoga Library/Community Room 13650 Saratoga Avenue Saratoga, CA 95070 Call to Order Roll Call Report on Posting of the Agenda: Pursuant to Government Code Section 54954.2,the agenda for this meeting was properly posted on February 19, 2015. Oral &Written Communications:Any member of the public may address the Commission about any matter not on the agenda for this meeting for up to three minutes. Commissioners may not comment on the matter, but may choose to place the topic on a future agenda. Approval of Minutes: Draft minutes for the December 10 meeting. Old Business 1. Battle of the Books Issue: Continue discussion about potentially establishing a program geared to adults Action: Discuss an adult program version of Battle of the Books 2. Work Plan Issue: Chair Marty and Vice-chair Gulino attended January 23 Council retreat and presented the Commission's work plan. How will Commission accomplish the updated work plan? Action: Discuss how(and when) item will be accomplished and vote to adopt updated Work Plan to present at the annual Joint City Council Meeting on 6:00 p.m., Wednesday, April 1 at City Hall. New Business None Reports 1. Nancy Howe, Santa Clara County Librarian 2. Allison Lew, Saratoga Community Librarian 3. Terrie Creamer, Friends of the Saratoga Libraries 1 4. Lauren Marty, Library Commission Chair 5. Adam Henig, City of Saratoga Liaison Agenda Items for the Next Meeting Adjournment In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, if you are a disabled person and you need a disability-related modification or accommodation to participate in this meeting, please contact the City Clerk's Office at 408.868.1269 or ctclerk@saratoga.ca.us. Requests must be made as early as possible and at least one full business day before the start of the meeting. Library Commission Agenda Note: In accordance with the Ralph M. Brown Act, copies of the staff reports and other materials provided to the Library Commission by City staff in connection with this agenda are available at the office of the City Manager at 13777 Fruitvale Avenue, Saratoga, California 95070. Any materials distributed by staff after the posting of the agenda are made available for public review at the office of the City Manager at the time they are distributed to the Library Commission. Certificate of Posting of Agenda: I, Adam Henig, Recreation Supervisor,for the City of Saratoga, declare that the foregoing agenda for the meeting of the Library Commission of the City of Saratoga was posted on February 19, 2015 at the office of the City of Saratoga, 13777 Fruitvale Avenue, Saratoga, CA 95070 and was available for public review at that location.The agenda is also available on the City's website at www.saratoga.ca.us. 2 JO( City of Saratoga library Commission MINUTES DATE: December 10, 2014 TIME: 4:00 p.m. LOCATION: Saratoga Library/Community Room 13650 Saratoga Avenue Saratoga, CA 95070 Call to Order 4:17 p.m. Roll Call Present: Robert Gulino, Stephen Kispersky, Lauren Marty,Jill Whitcomb Absent: None Staff: Terrie Creamer, Nancy Howe,Allison Lew, Brian Babcock Public: None Report on Posting of the Agenda: Brian Babcock,Administrative Analyst with the City of Saratoga, reported that pursuant to Government Code Section 54954.2,the agenda for this meeting was properly posted on December 4, 2014. Oral &Written Communications: None Approval of Minutes: Draft minutes for the October 22, 2014 meeting. Kispersky moved to approve the draft minutes for the October 22, 2014 meeting. Whitcomb seconded the motion. Motion passed 3-0.Yays: Gulino, Kispersky, Whitcomb. Nays: None.Absent: Baxter. Old Business 3. Emerging Trends Issue: Continue ongoing discussion on emerging trends. Action: Discuss trends. There was no discussion on this topic. Marty joined the meeting at 4:20 p.m. 3 4. Upcoming Events Issue: Continue ongoing discussion on upcoming events. Action: Discuss upcoming events. Lew said that the Library continues to table at the local farmers market. Lew said that she would contact the commission about the December date. She thanked Marty for attending the November farmers market and said she would love to have more Commissioners attend and participate. 5. Work Plan Issue: The Commission creates a new work plan each year, which is presented to the Saratoga City Council during an annual joint meeting. Commissioners discussed possible items for the Work Plan at its meeting in October. Chair Marty will present a proposed Work Plan. Action: Discuss and vote to adopt proposed Work Plan to present to the City Council. Marty said that she would work with former City Council Member Jill Hunter to find out which organization the Commission would need to go through to make the library a historic site. Gulino said the Commission could work with the library to survey users on what they want to see from their library. Howe said the County Library had contracted with a company in the past to survey users and non-users, however it is a dated survey. Howe said that the library does "popup" surveys but is mostly used to gauge customer satisfaction. She said the library also asks for feedback after every event. Howe said that she and Lew could share the information they have with Commissioners to see if they would want more. Gulino said that what they have relates mostly to the County Library system and would like to see what Saratoga residents want. He said that information would add to the existing information. Marty asked if there were thoughts on any changes to the Work Plan. Kispersky said the Commission could work with the library to do direct marketing. He said they could do a pilot program and send out direct mailers to residents with library cards enclosed and invite them to the library to activate the cards. Gulino said that they should investigate the cost of such a program. Howe said a similar conversation has come up for Monte Sereno,which has a much smaller population. Howe said a small percentage of Monte Sereno residents have library cards but pay into the Library District through a tax. Creamer said Friends looked into doing a direct mailer and the cost would have been around $5,000 to $6,000. 4 Whitcomb said the main issue is that people don't know what the library has to offer. Whitcomb said the Commission should let people know what they are getting from the library for the fee they are paying, such as a free library card. Gulino said it would be more cost effective to do an email. Babcock said that the Commission would be expected to present its Work Plan to the City Council during the Council Retreat on January 23. Babcock asked if Chair Marty and/or Vice Chair Gulino would be available to attend. Marty said that she would and Gulino said it was possible if the meeting was after 2 p.m. Lew said that the Commission and library staff roles should be defined on each Work Plan- project to clearly define roles. Lew said it could take the place of the "date" portion on the Work Plan document. Marty said she would make the change and said she would report back to the Commission of there were changes made to the Work Plan during the discussion with the Council. New Business 6. Battle of the Books Issue: The Commission asked to have this item put on its December agenda. Action: Discuss Battle of the Books. Marty said that she and her daughter enjoyed the event and the library should look into doing an adult version. Marty asked why the program is done in groups and why children don't participate as individuals. Lew said that the program has been that way since its inception years ago. Kispersky said that the children each read separate books and became experts in those books. Creamer said the rules stipulated that each child needed to read all of the books. Creamer said that near the end of the event each child remaining in the contest had to go up and answer questions on a random book. She said that the program is only put on once a year because it is a lot of work. Marty said that she would work on creating an adult version. 7. Inter-Library Book Exchange Issue: The Commission asked to have this item put on its December agenda. Action: Discuss item. Lew showed the Commission the "Suggest a Book" and "Interlibrary Book Exchange" pages on the library website. Lew said that the library purchases a large percentage of the books that are requested and that library users can search for books from libraries across North America. Gulino asked how many requests the library receives. 5 Howe said the library receives much more suggestions for purchases than interlibrary loan requests. Kispersky asked if all libraries charge for the service. Howe said that every library has a search fee and that there is a steep fine for lost books through the interlibrary program. Howe said that the Library District lends out as many books as receives and that they have a librarian who works part-time on the program. Howe said there has been discussion about whether a book should be a suggested purchase or an interlibrary loan should be a library decision and not put on library users. She said that purchasing is usually a better financial option. Reports 6. Nancy Howe, Deputy Santa Clara County Librarian Howe stated that Silicon Valley Reads has been announced and that all the books that have been chosen have led to great discussions. Howe said that there are companion books for children. Howe said that the JPA board voted to end the library card fee but that it will take time to undo the fee. She said the library is looking forward to freely serving residents from other districts and that the Library District will be watching how the change affects each library. Howe said it is expected that there will be an increase of use at the Saratoga Library from Los Gatos and West San Jose residents. Howe said that the fee for using the community room will go from $10 a day to$25 for up to four hours,which puts the rent in line with what other libraries are charging. Howe announced that Council Member Emily Lo would be the chair of the JPA this coming year. She also said that the Library District would be recruiting for the open deputy county library position left vacant by the resignation of Derek Wolfrgram. 7. Allison Lew,Acting Saratoga Community Librarian Lew went through some of the upcoming programs. Lew told the Commission that the library has a new a-book vendor called 3M Cloud Library. She showed the Commission how to access digital content, including 3M materials. Lew then showed a slideshow of the 2014 programs funded by Friends of the Saratoga Libraries. S. Terrie Creamer, Friends of the Saratoga Libraries Creamer said that Friends had received a memorial donation with $50,000 going to the Bookmobile program. She said the next Author Series event will happen on February 4, 2015. 9. Lauren Marty, Library Commission Chair No report. 10. Brian Babcock, City of Saratoga Liaison Babcock said that this would be the last meeting as liaison with the Commission as he was reassigned. He said that the new liaison would be Recreation Supervisor Adam Henig. He said that former Commissioner Linda Baxter had resigned. Agenda Items for the Next Meeting • Updated Work Plan 6 Adjournment Gulino moved to adjourn the meeting at 5:49 p.m. Kispersky seconded the motion. Motion passed 4-0. Yays: Gulino, Kispersky, Marty,Whitcomb. Nays: None.Absent: None. Respectfully Submitted: Brian Babcock Administrative Analyst 1 7 RESOLUTION 15.003 A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SARATOGA APPOINTING MEMBER TO THE LIBRARY COMMISSION WHEREAS, a vacancy was created on the Library Commission by the resignation of Library Commissioner Linda Baxter in December 2014;and WHEREAS,Linda Baxter was appointed in 2011 as the Monte Sereno representative on the Library Commission and reappointed in 2013 for a term ending September 30,2017;and WHEREAS, the Monte Sereno City council selected Claire Campodonico to fill the remainder of the term vacated by Linda Baxter;and NOW,THEREFORE,BE IT RESOLVED that the City Council of the City of Saratoga does hereby make the following appointment: NAME COMMISSION TERM Claire Campodonico Library Commission February 4,2015—September 30,2017 (partial term The above and foregoing resolution was passed and adopted at a regular meeting of the Saratoga City Council held on the 0 day of February 2015 by the following vote: AYES: Mayor Howard A. Miller, Vice Mayor Manny Cappello, Council Member Emily Lo,Mary-Lynne Bernald,Rishi Kumar NOES: None ABSENT: None ABSTAIN: None oward A.Milier,Mayor ATTEST: �� (r (iD DATE: 2-Ick tea! Cr} al Bothelio,City Clerk 8 SARATOGA LIBRARY COMMISSION 2015 PROPOSED WORK PLAN OVERALL MISSION: The mission of the Saratoga Library Commission is to ensure that access is provided to informational, educational and recreational library materials and services that respond to evolving community needs.The Commission advises the Saratoga City Council regarding the library facility and grounds,as well as current library issues.The Commission guides the Santa Clara County LibraryJoint Powers Authority Board regarding library budgets,policies,plans and procedures. PROJECT START COMP11TION DESIRED OUTCOME DATE DATE Work with library staff in brainstorming Commissioners to assist with the current programs and sessions can current and upcoming give input to library staff on other possible programs. opportunities. Work with the Saratoga Library to get the To bring further recognition to the Saratoga Library, library building categorized as a California thus elevating its status even further and gaining more Heritage Building. library memberships. Increase the amount of marketing for the Increase community's knowledge of the library's library by collaborating with the library resources,as well as grow the number of Saratoga staff on ways to communicate to the Library cardholders who could take advantage of these community. resou rtes. Create a Library Resources Template or one-page flyer,to simplify the amount of Engage the community further on what the library has resources the library offers.This will make to offer.Gain more library memberships. communication of resources easier. Identify local organizations and community groups that could benefit from connections with the library.The Identify and contact leaders of local next step is to contact leaders of these organizations. organizations and community groups. Commissioners and library staff would invite leaders to informational meetings to discuss library resources. Project would help expand membership with local leaders. 9 santa Clara county 1 b ra ryclis[rict January 2015 Commission Report Nancy Howe, County Librarian Friends, Commissioners, Endowment, Foundation Forum Saturday, February 7, 2015, from 9:OOam — Noon with lunch Keynote by Robert Dawson, Author of The Public Library: A Photographic Essay Following the keynote, there will be a selection of small group presentations. Topics will include: • What's New at the Library • A Commissioners Roundtable • Operating a Used Book Store • Succession Planning • Understanding the Library's Budget • Super Science Searches • Silicon Valley Reads 2015 RSVP to Cynthia Rios Garcia at criosgarcia@sccl.org or (408) 293-2326 ext. 3090. Upcoming Special Author Events Graeme Simsion to Visit Santa Clara County Libraries! The New York Times bestselling author Graeme Simsion will speak about and sign his book, The Rosie Project, as well as his forthcoming sequel, The Rosie Effect on Tuesday, January 13, 2015 at 7pm at the Campbell Community Center in the Orchard City Banquet Hall. ABOUT THE BOOK: An international sensation, The Rosie Project is narrated by an oddlyrxrs�r��issiSGust charming and socially challenged genetics professor on an unusual quest: to find out if he is capable of love. When Don Tillman sets out to find the perfect partner, he knows she will not be a barmaid, a smoker, or a late-arriver. Yet Rosie Jarmon is all these things. She is looking for her biological father, a search that Don might be able to help her with. ROSIE An unlikely relationship blooms, forcing Don to confront the whirlwind IN GRAEMEE SIMSION that is Rosie—and the realization that love is not always what looks good on paper. ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Author Graeme Simsion is a former IT consultant and the author of two nonfiction books on database design who decided, at the age of fifty, to turn his hand to fiction. His first novel, The Rosie Project, was published in 2013 and translation rights have been sold in over thirty-five languages. Graeme lives in Australia with his wife, Anne, and their two children. Join us for an enjoyable evening and chat with Graeme Simsion! The Campbell Community Center is located at 1 W. Campbell Ave., Campbell (at the corner of Campbell Avenue and Winchester Blvd.) Silicon Valley Reads 2015 Homeliand Home: The Immigrant ant Experience Silicon Valley Reads 2015 will explore the immigrant experience in our upcoming "community reads" program. Each year, the program promotes reading and literacy, engaging our community in dialogue about themes in books relevant to Silicon Valley. The 2015 theme, "Homeland and Home: The Immigrant Experience", will find common ground among residents of the region. It offers a trio of books originating from three different continents: We Need New Names by NoViolet Bulawayo; The Book of Unknown Americans by Cristina Henriquez; and Stealing Buddha's Dinner by Bich (Beth) Minh Nguyen. More than a third of Santa Clara County residents were born outside the U.S. Each came to America with a different dream, but all strive to balance maintaining a connection to the culture of their homeland, while adapting to the ways of their new home. Companion books for young people that relate to the "Homeland and Home" theme have also been selected: My Name is Yoon by Helen Recorvits (ages 4-8); Dancing Home by Alma Flor Ada and Gabriel M. Zubizarett (ages 8-12); and Something AboutAmerica by Maria Testa (ages 12 and up). 11 "Homeland & Home: The Immigrant Experience" will include more than 100 free events throughout February and March, leading off with an event at the Heritage Theater in Campbell Robert Dawson, photocir pher and matim, of on Wednesday, The Publimc Library February 4, 2015 at 7: ppmj (doors A Photograph; Essay open at 6:4545 m that will 1 bring together all three authors. low Tc 4leaW 4 \ f 144 RuavM Rtl%c lMra� - �r'� - � w%%i nv;WPll BRANCH wmmw%�� 19 ( g;lsil� �I r r Please join us for this FREE author event and book signing with Mr. Dawson. SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 7, 2015 12 12:30 to 1:30 Campbell Library santa Mara county librarydistrict February 2015 Commission Report Nancy Howe, County Librarian American Library Association 2015 Conference to be held in San Francisco,June 25 -30 The premier annual conference for libraries will be in California this year and offers a rare opportunity to expand your horizon and explore the world of libraries. Early bird registration rates continue until March 16th.There are two ways to attend: Full conference or Exhibits only. The full conference fee for trustees and supporters at the early bird rate is$125. The full conference allows you to attend all programs, presentations and exhibits. There will be a selection of hundreds of programs, author events, and roundtable meetings. Discover what other libraries are doing as well learning about the trends in the field. Over 750 exhibitors including publishers, research services, furniture vendors, and technology wares,will also be on hand. Even if you can't attend the full conference, consider a day at the exhibit hall. Registration information at http://alaacl5.ala.org/ JPA Board Meets on January 29th The Joint Powers Authority Library Board held its first meeting of 2015 on January 29th. Actions included the receipt of Five-Year Financial Forecast, Capital Maintenance Plan update,Technology Plan update. All of these documents are located on the Santa Clara County Library District's website. The JPA meeting calendar was adopted for 2015 with regular meetings on April 16,June 4, and October 29, all at 1:30 at the Services and Support Center, 1370 Dell Avenue, Campbell. 13 Saratoga Library Report: February 2015 Allison Lew, Community Librarian Statistics December 2013 December 2014 January January 2014 2015 Total Circulation 98,017 90,354 100,923 94,212 Adult/Teen Circulation 54,839 49,463 54,876 49,490 Children's Circulation 43,178 40,891 46,047 44,722 Total Number of Programs 61 61 64 65 Programs Total Attendance 1,489 1,297 1,900 1,572 New Library Cards Issued 143 121 160 184 Gate Count 31,247 32,087 34,738 34,456 Outreach Events 3 1 1 3 Outreach Total Attendance 151 60 75 300 452 1,306 418 1,579 Volunteer Hours (Now includes Friends'hours) (Now includes Friends'hours) Personnel New Employees We are pleased to welcome Pat Oey to Saratoga Library. She is our new part-time , children's librarian. Pat currently also works r s 40 for Santa Clara City Library. She previously worked at South San Francisco Public Library and at Atherton Library. Other jobs have included working as a DJ at KFJC, as an editor at the Computer Curriculum Corporation, and as a Bookseller II at Linden Tree Children's Books. Pat's education includes a B.A.from Amherst College and Master's Degrees both from Harvard Graduate School of Education and from San Jose State School of Library and Information Science. Pat is very positive, enthusiastic, and well-read. She enjoys crocheting and reading, she loves her dogs, and she loves when her two grown boys come to visit. --Peggy Baker, Children's Supervising Librarian We are pleased to welcome Holly Okamura to the Saratoga Library - team as a full-time children's librarian. Holly has worked as a I � children's librarian and as a teen librarian at Berkeley Public Library, Mountain View Public Library, and Santa Clara City Library. Holly's - education includes a Master's in Library and Information Science from San Jose State University and a Bachelor's in Architecture from UC Berkeley. Holly is excited about her new venture in children's ► librarianship. As for personal interests, Holly is an avid billiards player who enjoys cooking, loves comic books and graphic novels, is fond of her rescue dog Bowie, and she and her husband enjoy traveling internationally. --Peggy Baker, Children's Supervising Librarian We are pleased to welcome new team member Bianca Garcia. Bianca :: is a new extra-help library page at Saratoga Library. She recently transferred from West Valley College to San Jose State University and is pursuing a Bachelor's Degree in Philosophy. She considers herself lucky to be living in California, and she hopes someday to travel and see the rest of the world, as she is eager to see all the beautiful things the world has to offer. --Andrew Cammisa, Circulation Supervisor 15 Employee Excellence Award The County Library has the opportunity to recognize three library staff members each year in February, August, and November through the County of Santa Clara's Employee Excellence Awards. An outstanding library staff person from Saratoga Library has achieved an Employee Excellence Award in recognition of the ways he exemplifies the best qualities of Santa Clara County Library District employees. The Library's February 2015 Employee Excellence Award went to Kevin Mayes,janitor at the Saratoga Library. Kevin was recognized at the Santa Clara County Board of Supervisors meeting February 10, 2015. Kevin Mayes demonstrates his Santa Clara Cownty Government Ce commitment to providing ' ` RY efficient, effective, high-quality ti service by ensuring that the library is clean and comfortable, by identifying and resolving L of challenging building issues ` t affecting community members, and by setting-up for s community events. A variety of librarians offer community events multiple times a day in multiple locations of the library. ti Kevin demonstrates that he highly values the community by ensuring that community events are successful. He does this by tracking the events using an online calendar, by communicating with librarians about their event plans, and by ensuring that community events have the correct equipment, tables, chairs, and furniture arrangements. He exhibits mutual respect by offering to help others before being asked for assistance, and he exhibits respect by assessing building issues and then thoughtfully educating colleagues about complicated matters. Kevin encourages innovation and flexibility by piloting new equipment and providing helpful opinions that influence library system purchasing decisions. His carefully made,thoughtful, recommendations demonstrate his commitment to upholding fiscal responsibility. Kevin is an exemplary role model for others to emulate. His positive spirit and commitment to helping others, to working hard, to teamwork, and to high-quality work make him an impressive role model who produces a top-notch library experience for community members. Programs 16 Programs for Adults February 2 at 7:30 p.m. -Saratoga Library Book Discussion Group Participants will read and discuss Light Between Oceans by M.L. Stedman. The novel is set on a remote Australian island, where a childless couple live quietly running a lighthouse, until a boat carrying a baby washes ashore. February 3 at 7:00 p.m. -Citizen USA:A 50 State Road Trip-Silicon Valley Reads Filmmaker Alexandra Pelosi's husband is just one in millions of immigrants who came to America legally. He was happy as a resident alien, until his son was born. Suddenly he wanted to become an American, and so he started down the path to citizenship. He found that the naturalization process changed him. He felt like he really belonged to this country, and he was no longer a foreigner in his own family. His experience inspired Alexandra to set out on a road trip across America,to all 50 states,to experience the moment when new citizens take their oath,to find out why so many people are willing to renounce their birth country and swear allegiance to the United States of America. (52 min.) February 4 at 10:00 a.m. -Friends'Author Series: Betty Auchard A Home for the Friendless by Betty Auchard Betty,the eldest of three children, narrates this poignant but hilarious story of growing up in an unconventional family during the Great Depression and WWII. February 12 at 10:15 a.m. -Chinese Book Club-Super Brain Participants will read and discuss Super Brain by Deepak Chopra & Rudolph Tanzi (,M.aN*- EEP c) in Mandarin. Chopra and Tanzi show readers how,through a person's increased self-awareness and conscious intention,the brain can be taught to reach far beyond its present limitations and become a gateway for achieving health, happiness, and spiritual growth. February 13 at 10:30 a.m. -Taxes,the Affordable Care Act,and You The Affordable Care Act(ACA) has changed the landscape of health care and taxes. A tax professional will discuss what the ACA may mean for you. He will answer questions such as: who pays a penalty, do I qualify for a tax credit, or can I get an exemption? February 5, 12, 19 and 26 at 10:30 a.m. - English Conversation Club The English Conversation Club is offered every Thursday morning in the Community Room at 10:30 a.m. The 17 Club is open to all levels of English language learners. Meetings are fun social events that help participants improve their English listening and speaking skills. Participants practice speaking English, make friends, and learn about other cultures in a supportive environment. Participation is on a drop-in basis. Native English- speakers are welcome to help facilitate conversations. March 2 at 7:30 p.m. -Silicon Valley Reads Author Bich ("Beth") Minh Nguyen Author Bich Minh Nguyen will discuss her book Stealing Buddha's Dinner. As a Vietnamese girl coming of age in Grand Rapids, Michigan, Nguyen is filled with a rapacious hunger for American identity, and in the pre-PC- era Midwest,the desire to belong transmutes into a passion for American food. More exotic-seeming than her Buddhist grandmother's traditional specialties,the campy, preservative-filled "delicacies" of mainstream America capture her imagination. In Stealing Buddha's Dinner,the glossy branded allure of Pringles, Kit Kats, and Toll House Cookies becomes a metaphor for Nguyen's struggle to become a "real" American, a distinction that brings with it the dream of the perfect school lunch, burgers and Jell-O for dinner, and a visit from the Kool-Aid man.Vivid and viscerally powerful,this remarkable memoir about growing up in the 1980s introduces an original new literary voice and an entirely new spin on the classic assimilation story. March 3 at 7:00 p.m. -Wealth-Spreading Through Generations Gifting to grandchildren, educational savings plans, and other related aspects of wealth-spreading will be discussed. This workshop will be led by Larysa Prytula, a Certified Financial Planner and a member of the Financial Planning Association. She serves as Chairperson for the Silicon Valley FPA Pro Bono Library Program. Her presentation will be followed by a question and answer period. March 4 at 10:00 a.m.-Friends of the Saratoga Libraries'Author Series: Steve Sporleder In Hobo Ashes,writer Steve Sporleder brings readers on a journey with detective Grady Prescott, who is determined to solve a murder that is close to his heart. In this historical murder mystery, Sporleder uses his experience as a fifth-generation Los Gatan to infuse his writing with local flavor and history. Grady meets post- WWII hoboes in Los Gatos and along the California Coast, who live by their own well-mannered code,while picking up jobs from local homes, all for a chance to ride the rails with a freedom few can imagine. When unexpected violence erupts, we watch Grady play cat-and-mouse with a maniacal foe. March 5, 12, 19 and 26 at 10:30 a.m.- English Conversation Club The English Conversation Club is offered every Thursday morning in the Community Room at 10:30 a.m. The Club is open to all levels of English language learners. Meetings are fun social events that help participants improve their English listening and speaking skills. Participants practice speaking English, make friends, and learn about other cultures in a supportive environment. Participation is on a drop-in basis. Native English- speakers are welcome to help facilitate conversations. 18 March 15 at 11:00 a.m.-Art Lecture- Embodiments: Masterworks of African Figural Sculpture African figural sculptures honor family ancestors, express community values, and serve religious and ceremonial purposes. San Francisco Fine Arts Museum docent Jill LeCrone will discuss the 120 pieces now featured at the de Young Museum through July 5, 2015. March 16 at 11:00 a.m.- Master Gardeners: Plant a Ratatouille Garden Master Gardener Sue Zaslaw presents part two of the Ratatouille Garden programs. Last fall, she discussed planting onions and potatoes. In this presentation, she will discuss growing tomatoes, eggplant, and squash, thus covering all the major ingredients in ratatouille. Participants will be provided with a recipe and handouts for growing these vegetables. Teen Programs February 7 at 10:00 a.m. -Teen Service Convention Are you a teen thinking about service project options benefiting your community and/or the world? Join us for this teen service convention! Listen to panelists describe their experiences and ask the questions you need to have answered. February 24 at 6:00 p.m. -Seed-Gardening for Teens-2015 Silicon Valley Grows Kickoff Event Join us on Feb. 24 for the 2015 Silicon Valley Grows kickoff event. Silicon Valley Grows is a collaborative project overseen by the Master Gardeners of Santa Clara County and by librarians offering seed libraries in Campbell, Mountain View, Santa Clara City, and Saratoga public libraries. As with Silicon Valley Reads, the Silicon Valley Grows series unites community members because everyone grows the same seed, and the 2015 seed pick is a lettuce named Amish Dear Tongue Lettuce. Master Gardener Hillie Salo will 19 present a hands-on introduction to gardening and seed planting focusing on lettuces. She will provide gardening tips and answer questions. Participants will plant seeds in pots to take home and grow. March 7 at 10:00 a.m. -ACT Practice Test Students in grades 9-12 are invited to practice taking the ACT test. Advanced registration required. Please bring a pencil and a calculator. March 13 at 4:00 p.m. -Silicon Valley Reads Event: International Candy Tasting Contest Teens will sample sweet treats from around the world, and they will guess where different candies are from. The teen that correctly identifies the most candies will win a tasty treat! March 17 at 6:30 p.m. -ACT Results Seminar Teens that took the ACT Practice Test on March 7 will return to the library to receive their test results. They will additionally be given tips and strategies for improving their scores going forward. Parents and guardians are welcome to join teens at this seminar. March 21 at 10:00 a.m. -College Day:The College Application Process Parents and students are invited to a presentation and panel discussion on the college application process. Mike Lysaght, college counselor, will provide a presentation that will be followed by a panel discussion featuring: • Manny Cappello, DeAnza College Faculty and Saratoga City Council Member • Lauren Marty, Saratoga Library Commission Chair • Katherine Tseng,Trustee, Los Gatos-Saratoga Union High School District • Mike Lysaght, LMFT and College Counselor(mikelysaght.com/college-counseling) Teen Advisory Board - Meets Monthly on Fourth Thursdays, During the School Year The TAB (Teen Advisory Board) plans teen-oriented events and advises the Teen Librarian on teen library services. TAB currently consists of 34 teens. Middle School Hangout-Monday through Friday Middle School students are invited to socialize, do homework, eat, or read in the Community Room. Middle School Hangout is offered after school, Monday through Friday. Average attendance is 40+ persons per day. 20 Teen Computer Club- Monday through Friday The Training Room is open five days a week for kids ages 10- 17 to use computers for homework and games. Teen - Computer Club is offered after school, Monday through Friday. Average attendance is 25+ persons per day. Children's Programs • Family Storytime-Tuesdays at 7:30 p.m. • Toddler Storytime-Wednesdays at 10:30 a.m. • New! Baby Storytime-Wednesdays at 11:30 a.m. (Stories, rhymes, and songs for babies, birth to 18 months.) • Pre-School Storytime-Thursdays at 10:30 a.m. February 3 at 10:00 a.m. -Argonaut Elementary School- First Grade Class- Ms. Clement First graders will enjoy stories, learn about non-fiction books, laugh at jokes, watch a short film, and check out books to take home. February 7 at 2:00 p.m. -Silicon Valley Reads Author:Gabriel Zubizaretta Children and their families will listen to an entertaining presentation about Dancing Home, a Silicon Valley Reads selection. Gabriel Zubizaretta co-authored this book for ages 8-12 with his mother,Alma Flor Ada. d • • February 11 at 3:45 p.m. -"A f Zoo of Valentines"Craft _ = Program At this craft program, kids (grades K and up) will enjoy activities combining zoo animals and valentines! February 18 at 3:45 p.m. -Aloha Percussion Members of a high school student group, called Aloha Percussion, will present an interactive percussion session in the Community Room that will entertain younger kids. February 21 at 3:00 p.m. -Silicon Valley Reads Author: Maria Testa Author Maria Testa will talk about her book for middle school students,Something About America. She will discuss her experiences living in a community in Maine that has become a major refugee center for immigrants from around the world. February 24 at 7:30 p.m. -Celebrity Storytime with City Council Member Emily Lo Emily Lo, a Saratoga City Council Member and Former Mayor of Saratoga, will participate in family storytime and read My Name is Yoon, a children's Silicon Valley Reads book. February 26 at 4:00 p.m. - Book Club event-Katie and the Cupcake Cure by Coco Simon Fourth and fifth graders are invited to enjoy a book club activity program based on Coco Simon's book, Katie and the Cupcake Cure. Register for this program beginning on February 1. This program is part of a series of three programs based on the sweet treat of cupcakes, and other cupcake events will be offered for children of all ages in February. February 27 at 10:15 a.m. -Sacred Heart School - First Grade Class- Ms. Biss First graders will enjoy stories, learn about non-fiction books, laugh at jokes, watch a short film, and check out books to take home. February 27 at 10:45 a.m. -Sacred Heart School -Second Grade Class- Ms. Martin Second graders will enjoy stories, learn about non-fiction books, laugh at jokes, watch a short film, and check out books to take home. 22 March 10 at 7:30 p.m. - History Alive Storytime This special storytime will focus on fun historical stories, including one about a cat named Sunshine who lived in Saratoga Village long ago. Attendees will also learn about the Saratoga Historical Foundation Museum. March 18 at 10:30 a.m. -The Puppet Company presents,Grandpa Bunny's Egg-citing Day! This holiday tale explains how eggs are painted for spring festivities by rabbits, and then the eggs are hidden for children in grass and bushes. Grandpa Bunny and his friends take everyone on a tour of the seasons. Featuring lively music, original songs, and an egg-coloring machine! March 25 at 10:30 a.m. - Recycling Fun-Toddler Storytime Kristine Dungo of the West Valley Collection & Recycling Company will be a special guest at toddler storytime. She will share exciting stories about how to take care of our Earth. March 26 at 4:00 p.m. - Book Club: No Talking by Andrew Clements At this book club program,forth and fifth grade kids will discuss the book, participate in activities, and make a craft. Pre-register beginning March 2. March 26 at 9:30 a.m. -Sacred Heart School- Pre-K Class Students will visit the library and enjoy stories, learn about non-fiction books, laugh at jokes, watch a short film, and check out books to take home. March 27 at 10:15 a.m. -Sacred Heart School -First Grade Class Students will visit the library and enjoy stories, learn about non-fiction books, laugh at jokes,watch a short film, and check out books to take home. March 27 at 10:45 a.m. -Sacred Heart School -Second Grade Class Students will visit the library and enjoy stories, learn about non-fiction books, laugh at jokes,watch a short film, and check out books to take home. March 28 at 11:00 a.m. -Girl Scouts-Tour of Saratoga Library 23 A Girl Scout Troop that recently donated funds to the Library District will tour Saratoga Library. This event will include a special behind-the-scenes tour. Outreach March 1 from 11:00 a.m.to 3:00 p.m.- Hakone Gardens Lunar New Year Festival Saratoga Library staff members will participate in the seventh annual Lunar New Year event at Hakone Gardens. They will promote library programs and register persons for library cards. Community members will get to spin the prize wheel and win giveaway prizes. While doing this, they will be informed about library programs, services, and collections. (http://hakone.com/lunar-new-year- festival.html) West Valley College Farmer's Market: Monthly on Third Saturdays from 10 a.m. - 12 noon Saratoga Library staff members are at the Farmer's Market Information Booth on the third Saturday of each month to promote library programs and register persons for library cards. March 21 from 10:00 a.m.to 4:00 p.m. -Saratoga Blossom Festival The City of Saratoga's annual Blossom Festival will take place in the Heritage Orchard and Civic Center (13777 Fruitvale Avenue). As an element of the festival, two children's librarians will read stories about gardens and growing flowers, fruits, and vegetables. March 25 at 12 noon-Redwood Middle School -Wellness Faire A teen librarian and a children's librarian will join other community representatives at Redwood Middle School's Wellness Faire, promoting good health and health resources. Virtual Library: Science Databases At www.sccl.org/Research, click on "Science." Spotlight on: 24 • Access Science Provides full-text articles from McGraw-Hill Encyclopedia of Science and Technology covering all major scientific disciplines. It includes current research, biographies, data, tables, videos, news references, illustrations, images, and related links. o Within Access Science, click on the "About"tab to view the video introduction. • National Geographic Provides a complete archive of National Geographic magazine from 1888- Present. It also includes National Geographic books and National Geographic Traveler magazine. These resources and their maps, images,videos, and other content are cross-searchable. • Science Online Presents a broad range of scientific and mathematical disciplines through definitions, essays, diagrams, biographies, and experiments. • Scientific American and Scientific American Mind Online version of the popular magazines Scientific American and Scientific American Mind. Updated monthly,the magazines feature articles by scientists and journalists in all fields of science and technology. Results of Program Evaluations - New On-Going Survey Surveys are distributed following individual library programs for all ages. Henceforth, results of this survey will be tabulated quarterly. The following information pertains to 114 program evaluations concerning 15 programs, received from Saratoga Library patrons from September 2014- December 2014. Respondents did not always answer all of the questions posed, and participating in the survey when programs concluded was optional. • Quality of the Program 0 0% N/A (0 selections) 0 0% Poor(0 selections) 0 0.9% Fair(1 selection) 0 3.6%Satisfactory(4 selections) 0 18.02%Good (20 selections) 0 77.48% Excellent (86 selections) • Speaker's/Presenter's Knowledge of the Topic 25 0 0.9% N/A(1 selection) 0 0% Poor(0 selections) 0 0% Fair(0 selections) 0 2.7%Satisfactory(3 selections) 0 15.32%Good (17 selections) 0 81.08% Excellent(90 selections) • Speaker's/Presenter's Presentation Skills 0 1.8%N/A(2 selections) 0 0% Poor(0 selections) 0 0% Fair(0 selections) 0 2.7%Satisfactory(3 selections) 0 15.32%Good (17 selections) 0 80.18% Excellent(89 selections) • How did you hear about this program? 0 40.78% Library Poster(42 selections) 0 23.3% Library Staff(24 selections) 0 19.42% Library Website(20 selections) 0 14.56% Friend (15 selections) 0 8.74% Newspaper(9 selections) 0 2.91% Email Message (3 selections) 0 1.94% Facebook(2 selections) 0 7 persons selected "Other" and wrote-in: Google, Red-Tricycle, announcement over speaker-system, librarian, been part of it for years, have been active for years in the library, Saratoga Patch. • Ages of Attendees 0 1.8%were 0-1 (2 selections) 0 24.32%were 2-3 (27 selections) 0 16.22%were 4-5 (18 selections) 0 8.11%were 6-8 (9 selections) 0 3.6%were 9-12 (4 selections) 0 1.8%were 13-18 (2 selections) 0 1.8%were 19-30 (2 selections) 0 6.31%were 31-49 (7 selections) 0 36.04%were 50+ (40 selections) • What Other Library Services Did You Use During Your Visit Today? (Persons could select one or more answers.) o 1.06% Printing/Copying(1 selection) 26 0 9.57% Using Library Computers (9 selections) 0 25.53% None (24 selections) 0 72.34% Borrowing Books/DVDs/CDs(68 selections) o Other:storytimes, doing homework, quiet place to write, attend book study group. • What Other Types of Library Programs Should We Offer? Persons could write down anything in response to this question. Answers received: Anything for toddlers/children, puppet shows and live performances, crafts,Xmas shows, more puppets, more puppetry (like today), more holiday programs, puppet shows and crafts, musical programs, science programs, more opera, mini-operas like today, Nutcracker for December, more opera, music programs, art/science/theater, mystery books, the book Wonder, tutoring, more music-classical, opera singers, more of these, more of this, children activities, singing, ESL, art museum, art classes, docents from Asian or SJ Museum, art docents(like today), programs on music/art/organics/public banking, children's programs, author talks, author speakers, author talks, lecture series on a regular basis and author talks, author speakers, author talks, movie club, more art lectures like this one, local history/California history/wine making history/food farming cooking,fun interesting presentations and events, more food and wine, interesting unique stuff like this involving history. • Please Share Your Additional Comments: Persons could write down anything in response to this question. Answers received: Drove from Evergreen area of SJ just for this performance,they loved it,wonderful show!, good, love it tonight!, probably should tell us languages beforehand, It's great!,Awesome!, excellent performance-enjoyable for all ages, great program,thank you (hearts drawn on sheet), my kid likes movies, nice variety, stories too long, Mr.Joel has done an amazing job and keeps the children's attention and isn't afraid to be silly, especially like Mr.Joel,thank you!, I appreciate being with other readers,this is a very good group with a great leader, I like all of the programs the library offers but do not have time to attend, keep going,fun,free food is a plus, excellent presenter although speaker's volume was an issue until they got the microphone, some cocktail recipes on handout please. Thank You to the Friends for the Generous Grant for Wayfinding Signs Sincerest thanks to the Friends of the Saratoga Libraries for generously funding an extensive signage design,fabrication, and installation project. All current interior public signs (excluding computer signs) will be replaced and library areas currently with no signs will gain signs. Wendy Wilsher (http://www.wilsherdesign.com/) is the designer, and she provided a summarized outline of the project's elements: 27 • Full internal public wayfinding strategy; looking at navigation through the environment. • Use of landmarks and visual clues, rationalization of the space (zones,wings) and routes to break down navigation and aid orientation. • Review of environmental features which effect wayfinding such as site requirements, lighting, finishes, memorable landmarks and architectural features. • Internal public wayfinding strategy likely to include design of: directional signs, locational signs and labels, orientation maps and directories. • Assist and advise the client on terminology. • American Disability Act considerations. • Consultation on possible ways to display community information. • Sign schedule, design guidelines, design intents and sign location plans to enable the client to obtain competitive manufacturing bids for the wayfinding scheme. • Liaise with chosen sign fabricator, oversee fabrication and installation. A similar project was just completed by Wendy Wilsher for Los Altos Library and can be seen in the following YouTube video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gnSd7iPlpwY. Gilroy Library also has signs designed by Wilsher. Wendy Wilsher designed the computer signs currently in all Santa Clara County Library District locations, including Saratoga Library. Friends President Terrie Creamer will oversee this project with Community Librarian Allison Lew and Wendy Wilsher, and this team will work closely with Saratoga Library's three department supervisors to establish a superior, highly effective navigational user experience for Saratoga Library's patrons. Heartfelt thanks to the Friends of the Saratoga Libraries for funding this significant,transformative project benefitting community members. Newsletter Subscribe to the Library Newsletter: http://www.sccl.org/About/Library-News/Newsletter 28 Friends of the Saratoga Libraries Report- February 25, 2015 Through Membership donations, donations of books, volunteering and purchasing books from the BOOK-GO-ROUND the Friends assist the library in maintaining and improving its current high level of library services. The Friends' received a memorial donation and in addition to the $50,000 donation to the Bookmobile program, has granted approximately$125,000 for "wayfinding" signage. The goal is to increase the library user experience in self-service. First phase is working with the consultant Next Author Series is March 4, 2015- local author from Los Gatos, Steve Sporleder,, discusses his book Hobo Ashes- a murder mystery, that includes post WWII hobos from LG. Mystery fans and history buffs should love this book! Membership Drive- please renew for 2015 or join 29