HomeMy WebLinkAbout04-25-2017 LIbrary Commission Agenda PacketSaratoga Library Commission Agenda - Page 1 of 2
Saratoga Library Commission
Regular Meeting
Agenda
Date: Tuesday, April 25, 2017
Time: 7:00 p.m.
Location: Saratoga Library/Community Room
13650 Saratoga Avenue
Saratoga, CA 95070
Call to Order
Roll Call
Oral Communications on Non-Agendized Items
Any member of the public may address the Library Commission for up to three (3) minutes on matters not on the
Agenda. The law generally prohibits the Library Commission from discussing or taking action on such items. The
Library Commission may choose to place the topic on a future agenda.
Approval of Minutes
Draft minutes for the February 28, 2017 Regular Meeting
Agenda Items
1. Library District Survey Results
Summary: The Santa Clara County Library District conducted a district-wide survey.
The results were presented at the December 2016 Library Commission Meeting.
Subsequently, the Commission agreed to schedule discussion of the results specific to
Saratoga Library at a future meeting.
Action: Receive and consider survey results.
2. Community News & Trends
Summary: Share news and trends within the community.
Reports
1. Nancy Howe, Santa Clara County Librarian
2. Michael Eitner, Saratoga Community Librarian
3. Lisa Finley, Friends of the Saratoga Libraries
4. Claire Campodonico, Library Commission Chair
5. Crystal Bothelio, City of Saratoga
Saratoga Library Commission Agenda - Page 2 of 2
Agenda Items for Next Meeting – June 27, 2017
Adjournment
Certificate of Posting of the Agenda, Distribution of Agenda Packet, & Compliance with Americans
with Disabilities Act
I, Crystal Bothelio, City Clerk for the City of Saratoga, declare that the foregoing agenda for the meeting
of the Library Commission was posted and available for review on April 20, 2017 at the City of Saratoga,
13777 Fruitvale Avenue, Saratoga, CA 95070 and on the City's website at www.saratoga.ca.us.
Signed this 20th day of April 2017 at Saratoga, California.
Crystal Bothelio, City Clerk
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
Clerk at 13777 Fruitvale Avenue, Saratoga, CA 95070. Any materials distributed by staff after the posting
of the agenda are made available for public review at the office of the City Clerk at the time they are
distributed to the City Council.
In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, if you need assistance to participate in this
meeting, please contact the City Clerk at 408.868.1269. Notification 24 hours prior to the meeting will
enable the City to make reasonable arrangements to ensure accessibility to this meeting. [28 CFR 5.102-
35.104 ADA title II]
LIBRARY COMMISSION AGENDA PLANNER
MEETING AGENDA ITEMS REPORTS
February 23, 2016 New Library Commissioner Welcome – Flora Hoffman
Selection of Chair & Vice Chair
Work Plan & Objectives
Nancy Howe, County Librarian
Allison Lew, Community Librarian
Lisa Finley, Friends
Robert Gulino, Vice Chair
Adam Henig, Liaison
April 26, 2016 New Library Commissioner Welcome – Carol Barmeier
Work Plan & Objectives Sharing Community News & Trends
Sharing Community News & Trends
Nancy Howe, County Librarian
Allison Lew, Community Librarian
Lisa Finley, Friends
Robert Gulino, Chair
Adam Henig, Liaison
June 28, 2016 Update on Friends Nominee to Commission
Update on Partnering with West Valley College
Library Survey & Interior Space Review
Sharing Community News & Trends
Nancy Howe, County Librarian
Rose Koury, Acting Community Librarian
Lisa Finley, Friends
Robert Gulino, Chair
Adam Henig, Liaison
August 23, 2016 West Valley College Partnership Update
Community News & Trends
Parking Lot Speeding Concerns
Rescheduling of December 2016 Meeting
Commission Recruitment Update
Nancy Howe, County Librarian
Rose Koury, Acting Community Librarian
Lisa Finley, Friends
Robert Gulino, Chair
Crystal Bothelio, Liaison
October 25, 2016 Selection of Chair & Vice Chair
Library Survey Results
West Valley College Partnership Update
Community News & Trends
Nancy Howe, County Librarian
Rose Koury, Acting Community Librarian
Lisa Finley, Friends
Claire Campodonico, Vice Chair
Crystal Bothelio, Liaison
December 13, 2016 2017 Work Plan
Introduction of Santa Clara County Library District Foundation
(Terrie Creamer)
Library Survey Results
Community News & Trends
Nancy Howe, County Librarian
Rose Koury, Acting Community Librarian
Lisa Finley, Friends
Claire Campodonico, Chair
Crystal Bothelio, Liaison
February 28, 2017 West Valley College Partnership Update
Technology Events/3D Printing
Library District Survey Results for Saratoga Library
Community News & Trends
Nancy Howe, County Librarian
Michael Eitner, Community Librarian
Lisa Finley, Friends
Claire Campodonico, Chair
Crystal Bothelio, Liaison
April 25, 2017 Library District Survey Results for Saratoga Library
Community News & Trends
Nancy Howe, County Librarian
Michael Eitner, Community Librarian
Lisa Finley, Friends
Claire Campodonico, Chair
Crystal Bothelio, Liaison
May 31, 2017
6:00 p.m.
Commission Recognition Dinner
Hakone Gardens
June 27, 2017 Community News & Trends Nancy Howe, County Librarian
Michael Eitner, Community Librarian
Lisa Finley, Friends
Claire Campodonico, Chair
Crystal Bothelio, Liaison
August 22, 2017 Community News & Trends Nancy Howe, County Librarian
Michael Eitner, Community Librarian
Lisa Finley, Friends
Claire Campodonico, Chair
Crystal Bothelio, Liaison
October 24, 2017 Community News & Trends
Selection of Chair & Vice Chair
Nancy Howe, County Librarian
Michael Eitner, Community Librarian
Lisa Finley, Friends
Chair
Crystal Bothelio, Liaison
December 26, 2017* Community News & Trends
2018 Work Plan
Nancy Howe, County Librarian
Michael Eitner, Community Librarian
Lisa Finley, Friends
Chair
Crystal Bothelio, Liaison
Unscheduled Future
Items
Interior Space Review Recommendations
* Meeting will be canceled or rescheduled
LIBRARY COMMISSION WORK PLAN & MEMBERSHIP
KEY POINTS OF WORK PLAN
1. Plan and promote library events and programs
2. Consider data of countywide survey relating to Saratoga Library and make recommendations
3. Provide recommendation on interior space review
4. Engage in information sharing with library and public
5. identify opportunities to partner with West Valley College
6. Help increase the number of residents with library cards
TOPICS IN DETAIL
Information Sharing with the Library
a. Hold technology events, such as a 3D printing
b. Support and promote Trivia events
c. Provide recommendations to Library Staff at meetings. This would include upcoming events
to promote the library, new trends, interests, etc.
d. Provide additional items to the Local Government Resource Center (e.g., including a photo
of Library Commission)
Information sharing with the public
a. Assist with tabling at city-wide events (e.g., Heritage Day)
b. Create email campaigns to reach specific populations (such as parents, youth, seniors, etc.)
to tout Library and its programs
Survey
a. Analyze survey result data for Saratoga Library and provide recommendations to the Library
District as appropriate
Interior Space Budget
a. Provide recommendations based on survey results regarding the $200,000 interior space
budget; (i.e., What’s a great fit for the community?)
Library Card Membership
a. Recommend opportunities to reach the goal to issue library cards to at least 85 percent of
Saratoga and Monte Sereno’s population
Other Topics
a. Serve as contest judges
b. Procedure review (e.g., revising the Community Room sign-up policy)
c. Visit other County library commissions & JPA meetings
d. Attend annual Friends and Commissioner forum
CURRENT MEMBERSHIP
Name Term End City Email
Claire Campodonico, Vice Chair 9/30/2017 ccampodonico@saratoga.ca.us
Carol Barmeier 9/30/2017 cbarmeier@saratoga.ca.us
Anandi Krishnamurthy 9/30/2018 akrishnamurthy@saratoga.ca.us
Flora Hoffman 9/30/2019 fhoffman@saratoga.ca.us
Karen Burley 9/30/2020 kburley@saratoga.ca.us
Saratoga Library Commission Agenda - Page 1 of 3
Minutes
Saratoga Library Commission
Regular Meeting
February 28, 2017
Call to Order: Chair Claire Campodonico called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. in the
Saratoga Library Community Room at 13650 Saratoga Avenue.
Roll Call
Present: Chair Claire Campodonico, Vice Chair Karen Burley, Commissioner Carol
Barmeier, Flora Hoffman
Absent: Anandi Krishnamurthy (excused)
Also Present: Nancy Howe, Michael Eitner, Lisa Finley, Crystal Bothelio, Elicia Ye,
Swetha Tummala
Oral Communications on Non-Agendized Items: None
Approval of Minutes: Draft minutes for the December 13, 2016 Regular Meeting
HOFFMAN/BARMEIER MOVED TO APPROVE THE DRAFT MINUTES FOR THE
DECEMBER 13, 2016 REGULAR MEETING MINUTES WITH CORRECTIONS TO
AGENDA ITEM 2. MOTION PASSED. AYES: CAMPODONICO, BURLEY, BARMEIER,
HOFFMAN. NOES: NONE. ABSTAIN: NONE. ABSENT: KRISHNAMURTHY.
Agenda Items
1. Library District Survey Results
Summary: The Santa Clara County Library District conducted a district-wide survey.
The results were presented at the December 2016 Library Commission Meeting.
Subsequently, the Commission agreed to schedule discussion of the results specific to
Saratoga Library at a future meeting.
Action: Receive and consider survey results.
Nancy Howe, County Librarian, provided a high level summary of the results and
suggested that the survey results specific to Saratoga be considered at the February
meeting. She also provided information about the funds that will be available for interior
space improvements.
2. West Valley College Partnership
Summary: One of the Commission’s work plan items is to identify opportunities to
partner with West Valley College. The Library Commission Subcommittee working on
the effort requested time on the February 2017 agenda to provide an update on the efforts
to partner with West Valley College.
Action: Receive update and consider collaboration opportunities.
Vice Chair Burley shared that the subcommittee has been working with West Valley
College library staff and Saratoga Library staff to engage the College in the Thinking
Saratoga Library Commission Agenda - Page 2 of 3
Money exhibit and events. The subcommittee may consider additional partnership
opportunities in the fall or next spring.
Nancy Howe, County Librarian, suggested partnering on a robotics program in the fall or
on a solar eclipse program in the summer.
3. Technology Events/3D Printing
Summary: One of the Commission’s work plan items includes holding technology
events, such as 3D printing, to promote information sharing with the Library.
Action: Consider technology/3D printing events.
Vice Chair Burley introduced the item to start discussion of tech events at Saratoga
Library in 2017. Programs might focus on topics, such as self-driving cars or virtual
reality.
Nancy Howe, County Librarian, noted that the Library held a very successful virtual
reality program that could be done again. System-wide there will programming on
robotics. Additionally, Saratoga Library will receive new computers in April or May that
will have new software that the Library could offer training on.
Commissioner Hoffman shared information about the Saratoga High School Media Arts
Program and suggested programming, such as an introduction to the software used by
students, as a way to tie into the Media Arts Program. The Library could also collaborate
with the West Valley College Media Arts Program. She suggested holding programs in
evenings or weekends when students and parents are available.
Chair Barmeier noted an article in the Saratoga News about teens teaching older residents
how to use gadgets and tech devices. She suggested a similar program at Saratoga
Library.
4. Community News & Trends
Summary: Share news and trends within the community.
Michael Eitner, Saratoga Community Librarian, shared he will be working with the City
Public Information Officer to share news and information with the community. He’ll also
share information with the Commissioners so that they can help get the word out
through their networks as well.
Lisa Finley, Friends of the Saratoga Libraries President, noted that the Library provides
news and information to highlight in the Friends newsletter.
Reports
1. Nancy Howe, Santa Clara County Librarian
Nancy Howe summarized her report, noting the lynda.com offerings and the new
Bookmobile. Silicon Valley Reads is underway.
2. Michael Eitner, Saratoga Community Librarian
Saratoga Library Commission Agenda - Page 3 of 3
Michael Eitner introduced himself.
3. Lisa Finley, Friends of the Saratoga Libraries
The Book-Go-Round and Friends Café Bookstore Grand Reopening will feature a week
of activities for all ages at both locations from May 8 through May 13. The Friends will be
at the Blossom Festival and Commissioners are invited to stop by. The Friends will also
be inviting the Commission to the April or May Friends meeting.
4. Claire Campodonico, Library Commission Chair
The Commission Work Plan Study Session was on February 27, 2017. The input from the
Library Commissioners was very useful.
5. Crystal Bothelio, City of Saratoga
The State of the City will be on April 15 and there will be a community meeting on
Silicon Valley Clean Energy on March 6.
Agenda Items for Next Meeting – April 25, 2017
- Library District Survey Results for Saratoga Library
Adjournment
Chair Campodonico adjourned the meeting at 8:14 p.m.
Minutes respectfully submitted:
Crystal Bothelio, City Clerk/Asst. to the City Manager
City of Saratoga
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MEMORANDUM
To: Saratoga Library Commission
From: Mike Eitner, Community Librarian
Re: Patron Satisfaction Survey
Date: April 17, 2017
Survey Findings
The Santa Clara County Library District conducted a formal survey of its patrons and non-patrons from
April 18 through May 31, 2016. Of the 3,387 completed surveys, 646 were from Saratoga. The following
document provides an overview of the findings, and the Saratoga Library’s current action plan for
improving satisfaction levels with the collection, eBooks, programs, hours, and the facility.
One hundred percent of survey respondents from Saratoga visited a library in person in the last twelve
months. Seventy-five percent of Saratoga respondents reported visiting the library at least once a week
or once every two or three weeks.
Top 5 Services for Saratoga Patrons
1. Books
2. DVDs
3. Library website
4. Library as a quiet and safe place
5. In person librarian assistance
Hours
Saratoga patrons were asked which hours and days they would use the library were the library to
expand hours. The top five responses were:
1. Sunday 9 am – 1 pm (43%)
Monday 10 am – 1 pm (43%)
2. Tuesday 10 am – 1 pm (38%)
Friday 6 pm – 9 pm (38%)
3. Saturday 6 pm – 9 pm (36%)
Building and Physical Space
Quiet areas 63% of Saratoga Patrons report
they are always available or
almost always available.
24% report they are available
most of the time.
Seating or works spaces 73% of Saratoga patrons report
they are always or almost
always available.
22% report they are available
most of the time.
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Parking 82% of Saratoga patrons report
it is always available or almost
always available.
15% report it is available most
of the time.
Meeting and group study rooms 55% of Saratoga patrons report
they are always available for
almost always available.
29% report it is available most
of the time.
It is easy to find what I need 65% of Saratoga patrons report
this is true always or almost
always.
31% report this is true most of
the time.
Programming
Attending library programs was the 14th most popular service for Saratoga patrons, and 38% reported
attending a library program or class in the last 12 months. The top three preferences for when the
Saratoga Library should offer programs are weekend afternoons, weekday afternoons, and weekday
evenings.
Free-form Comments
Saratoga patrons had the opportunity to provide comments in addition to completing the survey
regarding whether there were any service or program improvements that could be made to increase the
quality of the user experience. The comments are an important gauge of patron satisfaction because the
comments are issues patrons feel strongly enough about to discuss when receiving somewhat open-
ended prompts.
The following were recurring themes:
• Provide more ebooks and audio ebooks.
• Offer more diverse programming for all audiences (adult, teens, and children).
• Saratoga Library should be open more hours.
• Concerns about the noise from middle school students.
• More comfortable/different types of seating.
Acting on the Survey’s Findings
Books
The number one reason Saratoga patrons come to the library is for books. Based on patron feedback,
the District changed the loan period for bestsellers from 1 week with 1 renewal to 3 weeks with no
renewal. The loan period is a positive change for patrons. At the same time, the extended loan period
means Saratoga needs more copies of bestselling and new fiction and nonfiction. Going forward, we will
increase the copies per title of bestsellers. We believe this will also increase patron satisfaction as more
books will be available for checkout.
We recently examined usage data and learned adult nonfiction is the most heavily used collection at
Saratoga. Given this information, the Saratoga Library will focus future acquisitions on this area. We will
3
also examine nonfiction usage more closely by call number to determine which areas are of most
interest to our patrons.
For children, the most heavily used collection is picture books followed closely by easy readers. Again,
we will focus future acquisitions on these two areas including increasing copies per title of popular
authors, titles, and series.
Ebooks
Ebooks are the sixth most important service for Saratoga patrons. Additionally, providing greater access
to ebooks was a common request from patrons in the comment section of the survey. These formats are
purchased centrally. The Library District will increase the investment made in ebooks in the next fiscal
year.
Programs
Although not a top ten service for Saratoga patrons, many patrons used the comment section of the
survey to request more frequent and different types of programs. In fact, it was one of the most
noticeable themes from examining all the comments.
The Saratoga Library has made a concerted effort to increase and diversify its programming. Based on
attendance from the first quarter of 2017, patrons are responding to our efforts. For these three
months, program attendance has increased 32% as compared to 2016.
To discern patron interest in additional programming, I recommend engaging patrons in a brief survey.
To be sure, there is a concern of survey fatigue. The patron satisfaction survey, however, occurred one
year ago. The survey will recommend various types of programs for all age levels as well as provide a
place for patrons to recommend other programs. With this information, Saratoga Library will then
implement more targeted programs. Saratoga Library will survey different age groups to determine
when patrons want specific types of programming. Additionally, we will attempt to survey nonusers to
gauge their knowledge about library programs as well as their preferences.
Hours
An increase in hours will likely require an increase in funding from the City for additional staff. We will
study current staffing to see whether it is possible to open additional hours without an increase in FTE,
as well as what the cost would be to expand to the preferred library hours as expressed by library users.
Building and Physical Space
Saratoga patrons want more seating and workspaces in the library. They also want increased availability
of the Community Room and small group study room. While it is not possible to create additional
meeting space, and an increase in programming will further decrease the availability of the Community
Room, we will explore increasing the variety and number of seats and tables available at the Saratoga
Library. Given the current layout, it is difficult to envision how we would increase seating without
reallocating space currently used for shelving materials. I would also like to hear your thoughts on this
issue. We may also want to explore how best to accommodate the seating needs of Saratoga Library
patrons through focus groups.
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As you recall, County Librarian Nancy Howe mentioned at the February 2017 Commission Meeting that
the Library District has dedicated funds for FY 2017-18 to refresh the interior of Saratoga Library. If we
were to engage patrons in their seating and workspace preferences, we would factor this information
into the plans to refresh the interior space. I will also attend the 2018 Public Library Association
Conference, where I will meet with furniture vendors and learn of the latest in space-management
solutions.
Thirty-five percent of Saratoga patrons report it is not easy to find what they need always or almost
always. In 2015, Saratoga Library began planning a wayfinding project. Wayfinding is a system of signs
designed to make it easier for patrons to navigate a space on their own, and has been successfully
implemented at the Los Altos and Gilroy Libraries. The Friends of the Saratoga Libraries approved
wayfinding for the Saratoga Library, and the project has successfully gone out to bid. The project will be
installed in phases, and should be completed in the coming months. It is my belief the wayfinding
project will decrease the percentage of patrons expressing difficulty with finding materials.
Middle School Students
During the school year, Saratoga Library is a popular place for middle school students after school. They
are usually in the library from 3-5 pm. We feel it is important to provide a space for the middle school
students as they are part of the Saratoga community. By doing so, we further our core value of providing
physical spaces that are welcoming and safe. At the same time, we want to make sure other patrons feel
welcome in the library during this time.
To alleviate some of the noise generated by these patrons, Saratoga Library opens the Community Room
and the computer training room for the middle school patrons to use. While this does not eliminate all
the noise associated with the large number of middle school patrons present in the library during this
time, providing these two spaces lessens the impact in other areas of the library. Staff also monitor the
noise level throughout the library as much as possible and ask the younger patrons to lower their voices.
I am open to other solutions to balance the needs of both the middle school patrons and our adult
patrons, and welcome your feedback.
Conclusion
The patron satisfaction survey revealed both strengths and opportunities for the Saratoga Library. With
the above findings and action plan, the Saratoga Library will implement changes focusing on those areas
identified by patrons. By focusing on these areas, I believe we can enhance the already strong bond
between the Saratoga Library and its patrons.
March 2017
Commission Report
Nancy Howe, County Librarian
Saratoga Library to Host Travelling Exhibit
"Thinking Money" on display from April 1 - May 1, 2017
Only 50 libraries nationwide were selected to host this
travelling exhibit and Saratoga Library is one of them!
Designed to teach tweens, teens and the adults in their lives
about money management in a fun and engaging way, the
exhibit, “Thinking Money,” uses an adventure-themed
storyline and interactive activities to explain important
money management practices while teaching essential money saving (and spending) skills. Visit
the exhibit anytime during normal library hours from April 1 – May 1, 2017 in the Saratoga
Library Community Room.
Developed by the American Library Association (ALA) Public Programs Office, in partnership
with the FINRA Investor Education Foundation, the exhibit as well as its series of interactive
“Thinking Money” programs are free and open to the public.
New Public Computers on the Way
Five hundred new computers will soon be installed for community members in the Library
District’s eight libraries, replacing existing full-service and catalog computers. Campbell Library
will be the pilot site for new computers beginning on March 13. Saratoga, Morgan Hill, Gilroy,
Milpitas, and Cupertino Libraries will offer the new computers in April. Los Altos and Woodland
Libraries will offer new computers as of May 2. The new computers have solid state drives and
the latest processors, resulting in faster-than-ever speeds. Screen sizes are four inches larger
than current screens, at 27 inches. New computers will allow patrons to play Blu-ray discs, and
all parts of the computers are built into their monitors. Privacy screens will be built into the
full-service computer monitors, and catalog computers will offer touch screen options. Patrons
will continue to enjoy access to the library’s website and Virtual Library resources from both
full-service and catalog computers. Full service computers will now offer three browsers
instead of one: Internet Explorer, Google Chrome, and Microsoft Edge. Patrons can continue to
plug in headphones and use USB ports for flash drives. We are pleased to announce that in
addition to Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Publisher, and Access), numerous new
valued software programs will be offered. Patrons are invited to use Adobe Creative Suite,
which includes eighteen unique programs empowering patrons to use robust software to
accomplish basic to complex projects. Programs include: Adobe Photoshop, Adobe Illustrator,
Adobe InDesign, Adobe Muse, Adobe Premier, Adobe Acrobat, Adobe Dreamweaver, and
Adobe Animate. The new computers will also offer Microsoft Visual Studio (programming),
WinWay Resume Deluxe (help with resume writing), Ultimate Phonics (adult literacy
educational lessons), and Camtasia (create online tutorials and videos). The new popular
software programs are often price-prohibitive for the individual. The Library District will now
provide library card holders with free access to these professional tools, for personal or
business projects including: photography projects, filmmaking, software programing, creating
animations, designing websites (with or without coding knowledge), designing for online or
print formats, and additional software tools empowering patrons to achieve their goals.
April 2017
Commission Report
Nancy Howe, County Librarian
Next JPA Meeting
The next Joint Powers Authority Board (JPA) meeting will be Thursday, May 4th at 1:30 p.m. at the
Services and Support Center, 1370 Dell Avenue, Campbell. There will be a JPA Finance Committee
Meeting on Wednesday, April 19th at 10:00 a.m. Both meetings are open to the public and the agenda
packets will be posted on our website in advance. The Fiscal Year 2017-2018 Proposed Budget will be
presented for first review.
National Library Week
During April we celebrate National Library Week (April 9-15), and National Volunteer Month. The
Library mission and services were supported by over 59,270 hours in 2016. Each community library is
planning volunteer recognition gatherings and will find unique ways to say thank you. Commissioners
play an important role in advising city councils and the library about how we can best serve your local
community. Thank you!
In the News: The Mercury News, March 31, 2017
Author’s Day, bookmobile fun for kids
Photograph by George Sakkestad<br />Bookmobile librarian Amytha Willard looks through a book with Daves Ave Elementary
School first grader Joshua Ancheta. Santa Clara County’s new bookmobile is wheelchair accessible and visits 45 locations every
other week. It’s popular at Daves Avenue Elementary in Monte Sereno, where students look for books they can’t find in the
school library.
The Santa Clara County Library District has a new bookmobile serving 45 locations across the county
every two weeks, and its wheelchair accessible. The bookmobile visits rural areas, senior facilities,
businesses and schools, including Daves Avenue Elementary, where students can get books the school
often doesn’t stock in its library.
“We also have databases that children and teachers can use for research,” bookmobile librarian Amytha
Willard said. “We have a little bit of everything on board—books, movies, video games, music—and we
have a cart that changes out. If we go to a facility that has a lot of Russian speakers, we’ll stock those.
When we go to the south county, we stock Spanish books, and for Daves Avenue we stock kids’ books.”
Last week, kids were running in and out of the bookmobile during lunchtime, but once inside they were
whisper quiet as they looked over the offerings.
“I like that it has all the books I’m looking for, and I like the Warriors series about cats,” fourth-grader Liz
Bobzin said. “It’s nice to be able to get a book and finish it.”
Checkouts are for two weeks.
Fourth-grader Robbi Ross said, “I like that it has a lot of books that I know and also books I can’t find
other places. I like Sammy Keyes books.”
Sammy Keyes is a fictional amateur sleuth whose character was created by Pismo Beach children’s
author Wendelin Van Draanen. She spoke to students March 23 during the annual Daves Avenue
“Author’s Day” event.
Robbi and Liz both said they enjoyed her funny and energetic talk.
“I did not want to be an author and yet I have 33 books,” Van Draanen said. “I started writing because I
was ticked off at life. My dad’s business was blown up and he died, so I became an author because I
needed serious, serious therapy.”
That may sound a bit heavy for elementary kids, but Van Draanen’s delivery is key to her presentation:
She makes scrunchy faces and speaks funny to entertain the kids as she drives the point home that “if
you never give up, you’re bound to succeed.”
Fifth-graders who attended Van Draanen’s presentation laughed and applauded when she talked about
“bad guy” characters.
“On paper you can do whatever you want. You can torture ’em or pull ’em limb from limb,” she said.
Van Draanen’s self-described “epic story of good vs. evil” was 627 pages long and “really bad,” she
joked.
It was rejected by publishers, as were several other books.
“When I got rejected by publishers for 10 years, I just kept pumping,” Van Draanen said. “I kept putting
hope in the mail. I just had the feeling that someone would read and like my books.”
Someone finally did.
Today, Van Draanen can boast an Edgar Allan Poe Award for Best Children’s Mystery and a California
Young Reader Medal.
Illustrator and author Jim LaMarche, who lives in Santa Cruz, was also an Author’s Day presenter at
Daves Avenue.
Author’s Day is sponsored by the home and school club. It has been held on and off since 1991, and
annually since 2007.
“It’s an opportunity for kids to see the person behind the books they’re reading, and learn how they get
ideas and what they went through to be an author,” home and school club president Carolyn Harnish
said. “We want them to get excited about writing down their own ideas.”
The hoped-for end result, Harnish said, is that the children learn to dream big, work hard and never give
up.
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SARATOGA LIBRARY REPORT
March 2017
Mike Eitner, Community Librarian
STATISTICS
January 2016 January 2017 February 2016 February 2017
Total Circulation 87,910 92,176 86,044 83,056
Adult/Teen Circulation 49,490 48,654 47,738 41,865
Children’s Circulation 38,375 43,522 38,306 41,191
Use of E-Book Collection
(OverDrive Vendor) 2,488 Unavailable at
time of report
Use of Downloadable Audio
Books (OverDrive Vendor) 1,214 Unavailable at
time of report
Total Number of Programs 65 71 77 77
Programs Total Attendance 1,572 2,233 1,896 2,527
New Library Cards Issued 184 222 263 245
Gate Count: Library Use 34,456 32,970 30,762 32,915
Outreach Events 3 1 4 1
Outreach Total Attendance 300 82 560 55
Volunteer Hours 1,579 1,424 1,337 1,330
“THINKING MONEY” TRAVELING EXHIBITION
Runs from April 1 – May 1, 2017
Saratoga Library, one of 50 libraries nationwide selected to host “Thinking Money,” is the only library
in Northern California to offer this museum quality traveling exhibition. Designed to teach tweens,
teens and the adults in their lives about money management in an engaging and fun way, the
exhibition is free and open to the public. No reservations required.
Through an adventure-themed storyline, interactive iPad content and other fun activities, “Thinking
Money” explores themes such as wants versus needs, preparing for a rainy/sunny day and imagining a
future self. Attendees will learn how money works, acquire important skills and navigate the ever -
changing world of personal finance. A series of free programs for the whole family about money will be
offered throughout the month of April. Topics to be covered include: housing affordability, saving,
financing college, spending and avoiding fraud.
Featured Events:
April 1, 2 pm: Grand Opening Panel Discussion and Reception
“Baydog Millionaire: Navigating the California Dream and the Future You” – the discussion will be
moderated by KQED Newsroom host Thuy Vu as panel members discuss how the youth of today can
best navigate the California Dream. Panelists include: Assemblyman Evan Low; Saratoga City
Councilman Manny Cappello; Komal Ahmad, founder and CEO of Copia; Carl Guardino, President
and CEO of Silicon Valley Leadership Group; and Alex Lofton of Landed, Inc.
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April 1-24: Furnish Your Room Budgeting Contest!
Kids, grades 4 - 8, design a bedroom with a budget of $500!
April 4, 4 pm: Decorate and Feed Your Piggy!
Kids grades K – decorate a piggy bank to take home.
April 8, 3 pm: Thinking Money – Seek and Find, a Financial Facts Contest
Study the “Thinking Money” exhibit and participate in a trivia contest for prizes. All questions based
on exhibit information, financial resources mentioned in the “Explore More” handout and other
resources available at the library.
April 15, 3 pm: Harvard Schmarvard? New Perspectives on College and Career
Career coach Dr. Marty Nemko discusses the cost and value of a college education as well as
underrated, overrated, and under-the-radar careers.
April 18, 6 pm: College Money Survival Skills Panel Discussion
College students, parents and experts join in conversation to discuss what it takes to financially
survive in college. Q & A session after the discussion.
April 22, 11 am: Thinking Money & Earth Day: Silicon Valley Clean Energy
Saratoga City Councilman Howard Miller will discuss and answer questions about Silicon Valley
Clean Energy (SVCE) and how it will affect your energy bill. SVCE is a local, public non -profit that will
purchase cleaner energy on the open market for residents and businesses in participating
communities. Decisions are made through the Board of Directors, which is composed of a
representative from each member community. The agency would buy power on the open market,
encouraging the kind of competition that can result in more renewable energy sources at lower
rates. Celebrate Earth Day by joining us and Councilman Miller to learn more about this energy
option.
SPOTLIGHT ON SELECTED APRIL PROGRAMS
Children
April 19, 4 pm: Make 3D Images
Join us as we watch a short 3D movie and learn how to make 3D images pop out!
April 27, 4 pm: Chamber Music by the Bay presents The Creativity Olympics
This Bay Area youth symphony will grace us with a pro gram of their beautiful music. Many of the
members have grown up using the Saratoga Library!
Teens
April 22, 2 pm: Earth Day Celebration for Teens
Show your creativity in our Earth Day recycling craft. We will make planters out of water bottles. Teens
ages 12-18 are welcome to attend.
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Adults
April 6, 13, 20 and 27 at 11:00 am: English Conversation Club
The English Conversation Club is offered every Thursday morning in the Community Room at 11:00
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.
For additional details about events, click on “Events” at www.sccl.org.
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PHOTOS FROM RECENT PROGRAMS
Thank you Friends of the Saratoga Libraries
for generously funding library programs and events!
Pop-up Cards
Gophers, and
Rabbits, and Deer,
Oh My!
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Tween Sock Tie-Die
OUTREACH
Hakone Gardens Lunar New Year Celebration
Saratoga Library staff members participated in the annual Lunar New Year event at Hakone
Gardens. They promoted library programs and registered persons for library cards.
NEWSLETTER
Subscribe to the Library Newsletter: http://www.sccl.org/About/Library-News/Newsletter
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SARATOGA LIBRARY REPORT
April 2017
Mike Eitner, Community Librarian
STATISTICS
February 2016 February 2017 March 2016 March 2017
Total Circulation 86,044 83,056 90,905 93,011
Adult/Teen Circulation 47,738 41,865 48,917 48,293
Children’s Circulation 38,306 41,191 41,988 44,718
Use of E-Book Collection
(OverDrive Vendor) 2,502 2,401
Use of Downloadable Audio
Books (OverDrive Vendor) 1,012 1,122
Total Number of Programs 77 77 87 77
Programs Total Attendance 1,896 2,527 2,342 2,902
New Library Cards Issued 263 245 261 213
Gate Count: Library Use 30,762 32,915 35,394 36,814
Outreach Events 4 1 4 3
Outreach Total Attendance 560 55 141 376
Volunteer Hours 1,337 1,330 1,378 1,458
SARATOGA TEEN WINS NATIONAL POETRY CONTEST
Aashna Belenje, an eighth grade student at Redwood Middle School, was one of five teens picked
nationwide as a winner of the prestigious Voice of Youth Advocates (VOYA) teen poetry contest. Out of
all entries submitted, only thirty qualified to be included in the national contest. Two American poet
laureates: Peter Meinke and Alice B. Fogel, were selected to judge this year’s poems.
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Described as “both devastating and sweet” by Fogel, and “a touching little narrative,” by Meinke,
Belenje’s winning entry “Smile,” was selected for its poignant description recounting the lonely life of a
young student. As a national winner, Belenje receive d $20 and her poem was published in the April
issue of VOYA magazine.
Aashna’s winning entry:
SMILE
The same routine every day:
She dreaded those smirking faces,
Worried what they thought of her,
Knew they branded her Weirdo!
Classmates gave her scars inside
To remind her of all her flaws;
They could barely endure her,
And she lived trembling near them.
All she ached for was a smile:
Her hurt heart hoped for a smiling
face,
Just one face that didn't petrify her,
One smile to save her from herself.
Returning home, sitting alone
On the school bus again, she gazed
At the driving rain outside the glass
And shivered at her inner cold,
Until the chill left her as someone,
For the first time, sat down next to
her;
For the first time, she heard, Hi Mia!
And turned to him to see his smile.
SPOTLIGHT ON SELECTED MAY PROGRAMS
All Ages
May 6 from 10:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.
May 7 from 1:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Friends of the Saratoga Libraries paperback sale. On May 6, all items are 25 cents. The following day,
patrons can purchase a grocery bag of paperbacks for 3 dollars.
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Children
May 3 at 3:45 p.m. — Twirl & Spin: Design a Pinwheel
Children in grades K-4 are invited to twirl and spin into summer by decorating their own pinwheel.
May 10 at 3:45 p.m. — Sock Puppets Galore!
Socks are everywhere at this fun craft program! – children, grades K – 5, are encouraged to use their
creativity to design and make a sock puppet to take home.
Teens
May 13 at 10:00 a.m. — College Day
Are you a teen thinking about college? Are you overwhelmed by the process? Do you just need a little
bit more information? Come to our College Day event and listen to a panel of high school seniors and
college students — and have your questions answered.
May 21 at 1:30 p.m. — CoderDojo Coding Club
CoderDojo Silicon Valley @ Saratoga Library is part of the CoderDojo global collaboration providing
free and open learning environments to students. Events are open to students from 11 - 17 years of
age. Bring your own laptop or borrow one from the library. Seating is limited, so please register. No
walk-ins.
Adults
May 11 at 10:30 a.m. — Author Talk: Elizabeth McKenzie discusses her book The Portable Veblen
Veblen and Paul are trying to make it to their wedding day in one piece. Veblen sees her house as
being “rich” in squirrels and Paul wants a stately home. A delightful novel about love and family set in
Palo Alto.
May 19 at 11:00 a.m. — Bay Area Hummingbirds
Joan Sparks, wild life photographer, has traveled the Bay Area photographing the tiniest bird on the
planet, the hummingbird. Several different species of hummingbirds will be presented, as well as the
blossoms they enjoy, predators lurking nearby, and typical birds that share their living space.
Numerous tips will be given that you can implement to encourage the hummingbirds to permanently
reside on your property. Don’t miss this enlightening presentation filled with images of this incredible
little bird.
May 23 at 7:00 p.m. — Colorful Native Perennials and Groundcovers for the Garden, a talk by
Stephanie Morris
Native perennials and groundcover provide those splashes of color that we so appreciate in the
garden. Most of these plants need very little care besides some deadheading, pruning and watering.
Stephanie Morris has been designing with California native plants for twenty years. See her favorite
selection of colorful, low care plants that will make your garden buzz with interest!
For additional details about events, click on “Events” at www.sccl.org.
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PHOTOS FROM RECENT PROGRAMS
Thank you Friends of the Saratoga Libraries
for generously funding library programs and events!
Robin Hood
Thinking Money: Baydog Millionaire Grand Opening Panel Discussion
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Bees!
OUTREACH
Saratoga Library staff attended three outreach events, including one at Saratoga High School to
discuss the upcoming Thinking Money Exhibit. At these events, staff reached 376 people.
NEWSLETTER
Subscribe to the Library Newsletter: http://www.sccl.org/About/Library-News/Newsletter
Friends report for the April 25, 2017 Library Commission meeting:
1. The Friends have issued a check to the County Library District for $150,000 to fund a new internal
signage system for the Saratoga Library. "Wayfinding" is already in use at the Los Altos and Gilroy
libraries, and it will enable patrons to more readily self-navigate the library.
2. The Friends have received the annual grant request from the Saratoga Library for fiscal year 2017-
2018. The $141,000 requested will fund programs, collections, and personnel similar to past annual
grants.
3. The Friends of Saratoga Libraries Has Something to Celebrate with You! Join us for a week of free
events and activities during the week of May 8 to May 13, 2017. The Friends of Saratoga Libraries
will host events in two of our used bookstores. All week long, a variety of children’s and adult’s
events are scheduled including raffles, refreshments and book pricing promotions.
Where else can you get the Best Books @ Best Prices and have fun too?
There is something for everyone so mark these dates on your calendar today:
Children’s Events:
Story time presentations and book gift certificate giveaways in the Children’s section of the Saratoga
Library: Tuesday – May 9th @ 7:30 p.m., Wednesday – May 10th @ 10:30 a.m., Thursday – May
11th @ 10:30 and 11:30 a.m.
All week long: Story Walk Displays at the Book-Go-Round and Saratoga Library Café Bookstore
including coupons for children’s books.
Adult Events:
Tuesday, May 9th - 7:00 – 8:30 p.m. Speed Dating Book Share in the Saratoga Library Café
Bookstore.
Thursday, May 11th - 10:30 a.m. – noon: Author Talk by award winning author Elizabeth McKenzie
https://stopthatgirl.com/the-author/ Saratoga Library Community Room.
Saturday, May 13th:
o Jazz, Wine Tasting, Raffle, and snacks at the Book-Go-Round
o Trivia, raffles and snacks at the Friends of Saratoga Libraries Café Bookstore
We look forward to seeing you at these locations for the events:
Book–Go-Round: 14410 Oak Street at the corner of Saratoga Los Gatos Road
Friends of Saratoga Libraries Café Bookstore in the Saratoga Library: 13650 Saratoga Avenue
4. The Saratoga Library Commission and Liaison are invited to be introduced and report at the May
Friends Board Meeting at 10:00 a.m. on Wednesday, May 24th in the Saratoga Library Community
Room.
Respectfully Submitted,
Lisa Finley
CITY OF SARATOGA
Memorandum
To: Library Commission
From: Crystal Bothelio, City Clerk/Assistant to the City Manager
Date: April 25, 2017
Subject: Commission Report
City Website Redesign
The City is currently in the process of
updating its website. As part of the design
process, the City seeking input from the
community with the goal of creating a
website that best meets the needs of
Saratoga residents. The City just concluded a
survey on the website layout and April 25 is
the deadline to participate in a survey on the
website concept. The survey is available at
http://bit.ly/2pjvaaQ
Commission Recognition Dinner
On May 31, 2017 at 6:00 p.m. at Hakone
Gardens, join your fellow Commissioners at
the City’s annual Commission Recognition
Dinner. Initiations will be sent out soon. For
additional information or to RSVP, contact
Debbie Bretschneider at
debbieb@saratoga.ca.us or 408.868.1216.
Public Safety Task Force
In February 2017, the City Council formed the
Public Safety Task Force to formulate
recommendations for improving public
safety. The 5-member Task Force will be
active until November 2018. The group is
currently in the process of developing a work
plan for the City Council to consider.
Living Room Conversations
The City and Saratoga Ministerial Association
have started a monthly series of events, called
Living Room Conversations, to encourage people
with different opinions and perspectives to come
together for respectful and meaningful dialogue.
The first of these events took place on March 28
and the next will be on April 25.
Silicon Valley Clean Energy
In April 2017, energy customers in Saratoga
started transitioning to Silicon Valley Clean
Energy (SVCE). Through SVCE, energy customers
will have the option to buy energy that is 100%
carbon free. Additionally, customers can select
between energy sourced from 50% renewable
energy and 100% renewable energy.
SVCE is a non-profit public agency that works in
partnership with PG&E. SVCE buys clean
electricity direct from the source – encouraging the kind of market growth and competition
that results in more renewable energy sources and lower energy generation rates. PG&E
delivers the electricity over existing power lines, and continues to maintain the lines and
provide customer service as they always have. Bills will continue to come from PG&E, with SVCE
generation charges replacing those from PG&E.
For more information: https://www.svcleanenergy.org/
Arbor Day – May 1
Join the City of Saratoga and Madronia Cemetery
and Arboretum on May 1 to celebrate Arbor Day
and the dedication of the Madronia Arboretum.
The event will include music, refreshments, a
tree planting, original poem by Bill Peck, and
more.
Library Commission Recruitment
The application process for two positions on the
Library Commission is currently open. Chair
Campodonico and Commissioner Barmeier end
their terms at the end of September 2017. Both
are eligible for reappointment. Chair
Campodonico is the City of Monte Sereno’s
nominee to the Commission. Consequently, the
recruitment for this position is being handled by
the City of Monte Sereno. Applications are due
August 28.