HomeMy WebLinkAbout08-28-2018 Library Commission Agenda PacketSaratoga Library Commission Agenda - Page 1 of 2
SARATOGA
LIBRARY COMMISSION
REGULAR MEETING
August 28, 2018
7:00 P.M. REGULAR MEETING
Saratoga Library, Community Room | 13650 Saratoga Avenue, Saratoga, CA 95070
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 June 26, 2018 meeting
AGENDA ITEMS
1. Commissioner-Led Events: Junior Achievement
Summary: The Library Commission work plan includes providing support for Library
events and program. The Library Commission has been working to support the Library
through coordination of events, such as Junior Achievement.
2. Community Outreach at Movie Nights and Farmers Market
Summary: Discuss Library Commission outreach activity at the Movie Night events and
Farmers Market.
3. West Valley College Collaboration
Summary: One of the Library Commission’s work plan items includes identifying
opportunities to partner with West Valley College, including the 2019 Coral Reef
Crochet Project.
4. Monte Sereno Outreach and Engagement
Summary: Discuss efforts to reach out and engage residents of Monte Sereno.
5. Community News & Trends
Summary: Share news and trends within the community.
Saratoga Library Commission Agenda - Page 2 of 2
REPORTS
1. Nancy Howe, Santa Clara County Librarian
2. Michael Eitner, Saratoga Community Librarian
3. Alice Patrick, Friends of the Saratoga Libraries
4. Saratoga Library Teen Advisory Board
5. Karen Burley, Library Commission Chair
6. Crystal Bothelio, Saratoga Deputy City Manager
SUMMARIZE ACTION ITEMS
AGENDA ITEMS FOR NEXT MEETING – OCTOBER 23, 2018
ADJOURNMENT
CERTIFICATE OF POSTING OF THE AGENDA, DISTRIBUTION OF AGENDA
PACKET, & COMPLIANCE WITH AMERICANS WITH DISABILITIES ACT
I, Crystal Bothelio, Deputy City Manager for the City of Saratoga, declare that the foregoing
agenda for the meeting of the Library Commission was posted and available for review on
August 23, 2018 at the City of Saratoga, 13777 Fruitvale Avenue, Saratoga, CA 95070 and on
the City's website at www.saratoga.ca.us.
Signed this 23rd day of August 2018 at Saratoga, California.
Crystal Bothelio, Deputy City Manager
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 Library Commission.
In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, if you need assistance to participate in
this meeting, please contact the City Clerk at 408.868.1294 or npimentel@saratoga.ca.us.
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 27, 2018 Community News & Trends
2018 Commission Work Plan
Library District Year End Service Report
Summarize Action Items
Nancy Howe, County Librarian
Michael Eitner, Community Librarian
Alice Patrick, Friends
Teen Advisory Board
Karen Burley, Chair
Crystal Bothelio, Liaison
March 5, 2018
5:00 p.m.
Commission Work Plan Study Session
April 24, 2018 Community News & Trends
West Valley College Collaboration
Commissioner-Led Events: Junior Achievement
Library Card Promotion: Commissioner Engagement
Library Space Utilization
Summarize Action Items
Nancy Howe, County Librarian
Michael Eitner, Community Librarian
Alice Patrick, Friends
Teen Advisory Board
Karen Burley, Chair
Crystal Bothelio, Liaison
June 26, 2018 Community News & Trends
Summarize Action Items
West Valley College Collaboration
Commissioner Led Events: Junior Achievement
Nancy Howe, County Librarian
Michael Eitner, Community Librarian
Alice Patrick, Friends
Teen Advisory Board
Karen Burley, Chair
Crystal Bothelio, Liaison
August 28, 2018 Community News & Trends
Commissioner Led Events: Junior Achievement
Community Outreach at Movie Nights & Farmers Markets
West Valley College Collaboration
Monte Sereno Outreach & Engagement
Summarize Action Itemss
Nancy Howe, County Librarian
Michael Eitner, Community Librarian
Alice Patrick, Friends
Teen Advisory Board
Karen Burley, Chair
Crystal Bothelio, Liaison
October 23, 2018 Community News & Trends
Summarize Action Items
Selection of Chair and Vice Chair
Review 2018 Work Plan, Consider 2019 Work Plan
Rescheduling December Meeting Date
Nancy Howe, County Librarian
Michael Eitner, Community Librarian
Alice Patrick, Friends
Teen Advisory Board
Chair
Crystal Bothelio, Liaison
December 25, 2018* Community News & Trends
Finalize 2019 Work Plan
Summarize Action Items
Nancy Howe, County Librarian
Michael Eitner, Community Librarian
Alice Patrick, Friends
Teen Advisory Board
Chair
Crystal Bothelio, Liaison
Unscheduled Future
Items
Interior Space Review Recommendations
West Valley College Collaboration & Next Steps
* Meeting will be canceled or rescheduled
LIBRARY COMMISSION DUTIES/PURPOSE, WORK PLAN, & MEMBERSHIP
COMMISSION DUTIES/PURPOSE:
Resolution No. 16-043:
The Library Commission shall serve as a senior advisory and liaison body. Its basic responsibilities shall
include the following:
1. Provide counsel and recommendations on Library policies, budgets, plans and procedures to the
Saratoga City Council, the City staff, and the Santa Clara County Library staff and Saratoga
Library Supervisor.
2. Identify and bring to the attention of the Ci ty Council , the City staff, and the Santa Clara County
Library staff (as appropriate) present and prospective issues and questions relating to Library
operation.
3. Participate, along with other appropriate governmental units, in explaining and interpreting
matters pertaining to Library operation to Library users, Library support groups, and the general
public.
4. Perform such other activities as may be directed by the Saratoga City Council.
In carrying out its basic responsibilities, the Library Commission shall perform the following duties:
1. Hold formal meetings as required (see preceding Section on "Administration”).
2. Maintain communications with the City Council, the City staff, the Santa Clara County Library
staff, and the Saratoga Library Supervisor on matters that have a significant impact on the
Library's budget and operation.
3. Outreach to different community groups to inform them of library services and to receive
suggestions on improving Library operation.
4. Maintain within the Commission a continuity of knowledge of the Library, its operation and its
problems.
5. Keep generally informed on technical developments that could have a bearing on the Library's
operation.
6. Participate in the general planning of the library's operation and in the planning of events
related to the Library.
7. Work with "Friends of the Saratoga Libraries" and other support groups as may be desirable in
the planning of their activities.
8. Promote optimal utilization of the library space, and encourage service mindedness on the part
of all having to do with providing Library service to the public.
9. Engage the Saratoga Library Youth Advisory group in matters concerning use of the Library and
programs.
2018 LIBRARY COMMISSION WORK PLAN
KEY POINTS OF WORK PLAN
1. Support library events and programs
2. Promote library events and programs; engage in information sharing with library and public
3. Identify continuing opportunities to partner with West Valley College
4. Help increase the number of residents with library cards
TOPICS IN DETAIL
Support Library Events and Programs
I. Attend library events as Commissioners and/or participants (eg, Silicon Valley Reads
programs, trivia events, etc.)
II. Volunteer to assist library staff at library events (for example, Junior Achievement)
III. Volunteer at outreach programs (eg, Saturday Farmers Market, Movie Nights, Blossom
Festival) to increase number of card holders to 85% of Saratoga and Monte Sereno
residents
Promote library events and programs; engage in Information sharing with the library and the
public
I. Brainstorm with Diane Roche (County marketing person) on ways to promote Library events
and programs
II. Spread awareness via our networks of library events and offerings and encourage
attendance (for example, post in Nextdoor Saratoga, post on Facebook page, tell our Book
Clubs, etc.)
III. Update Saratoga News of upcoming library events
IV. Write an article for Saratoga Source (monthly e-newsletter) or Saratoga Newspaper to
feature library program(s)
V. Provide recommendations to library staff at Commission meetings. This would include ideas
for programs that our community is interested in (eg, 3D printing); new trends, and
upcoming community events where outreach might occur
VI. Attend annual Friends and Commissioner forum
VII. Visit other County Library Commission and JPA meetings
Identify continuing opportunities to partner with West Valley College
I. Work on 2018 – 2019 Coral Reef Crochet Project (schedule viewing of Chasing Coral at
Library, encourage crochet circles, attend seminars, help with displays), with West Valley
College taking the lead on this effort
Help increase the number of residents with library cards
I. Volunteer at outreach programs
II. Target Monte Sereno residents
CURRENT MEMBERSHIP
Name Term End City Email
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
Steven White, Monte Sereno Representative 9/30/2021 swhite@saratoga.ca.us
Robert Gulino 9/30/2021 rgulino@saratoga.ca.us
Saratoga Library Commission Minutes - Page 1 of 3
MINUTES
SARATOGA LIBRARY COMMISSION
REGULAR MEETING
JUNE 26, 2018
CALL TO ORDER
Chair Burley called the meeting to order at 7:01 p.m. in the Saratoga Library at 13650 Saratoga
Avenue.
ROLL CALL
Present: Chair Karen Burley, Vice Chair Flora Hoffman, Commissioner Robert Gulino ,
Anandi Krishnamurthy
Absent: Steven White (excused)
Also Present: Gail Mason, Michael Eitner, Alice Patrick, Crystal Bothelio
ORAL COMMUNICATIONS ON NON-AGENDIZED ITEMS
None
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
GULINO/ KRISHNAMURTHY MOVED TO APPROVE THE DRAFT MINUTES FOR
THE APRIL 24, 2018 MEETING. MOTION PASSED. AYES: BURLEY, GULINO,
HOFFMAN, KRISHNAMURTHY. NOES: NONE. ABSTAIN: NONE. ABSENT: WHITE.
AGENDA ITEMS
1. West Valley College Collaboration
Summary: One of the Library Commission’s work plan items includes identifying opportunities
to partner with West Valley College, including the 2019 Coral Reef Crochet Project.
Chair Burley provided an update on the efforts to collaborate with West Valley College on the
2019 Coral Reef Crochet Project. She noted that the subcommittee met with Community
Librarian Michael Eitner to identify display space in Saratoga Library for an exhibit on the Coral
Reef Crochet Project, opportunities to showcase related books, and inform patrons about how
they can get involved.
Vice Chair Hoffman suggested a screening of Chasing Coral as part of the effort and engaging
the Saratoga High School Environmental Studies instructors.
2. Commissioner-Led Events: Junior Achievement
Summary: The Library Commission work plan includes providing support for Library
events and program. The Library Commission has been working to support the Library
through coordination of events, such as Junior Achievement.
Saratoga Library Commission Minutes - Page 2 of 3
Chair Burley provided an update on Junior Achievement, including some of the lessons
learned from program. This included challenges resulting from holding a series of classes
and including a mix of ages.
3. Community News & Trends
Summary: Share news and trends within the community.
Chair Burley spoke about the Movie Night in El Quito Park in June.
The Commission discussed attendance at the July movie night, as well as other upcoming
events.
Community Librarian Michael Eitner provided an update on the Go Go Biblio vehicle.
Commissioner Gulino recommended programing on technology trends, such as
cryptocurrency, self-driving vehicles, and artificial intelligence. He also suggested
programing on immigration.
Commissioner Krishnamurthy also proposed programming on privacy concerns and
living skills for teens (managing college loans, bank accounts, etc.).
Vice Chair Hoffman offered to consider helping with a program on immigration. She also
recommended programing that encourages voters ages 18 to 45 to vote, bird watching,
financial planning for your children, and estate planning.
The Commission discussed programming that encourages polite discourse and the City’s
Living Room Conversation events.
A public speaker suggested programming on the importance of sleep.
Another public speaker recommended a programing on transitioning from the workforce
to the next stage, whether that is retirement or something else, and the impacts it has on
your family and personal life.
REPORTS
1. Nancy Howe, Santa Clara County Librarian
Gail Mason reported on behalf of Nancy Howe. She shared information on the Summer
Reading Program, Lunch at the Library, the District’s budget and financial audit, and net
neutrality.
2. Michael Eitner, Saratoga Community Librarian
Michael Eitner shared information about the Summer Reading Program and Monte
Sereno Library Outpost.
Saratoga Library Commission Minutes - Page 3 of 3
3. Alice Patrick, Friends of the Saratoga Libraries
Alice Patrick reported on the Friends grant to the Library, an Author Event, the Spring
Wine Stroll, Go Go Biblio, the selection of Debbie Jensen for the Membership
Correspondence position, the Blossom Festival, and the General Membership meeting in
June.
4. Saratoga Library Teen Advisory Board
No report
5. Karen Burley, Library Commission Chair
No report
6. Crystal Bothelio, Saratoga Deputy City Manager
Crystal Bothelio reported on the Independence Day Celebration, Saratoga Movie Nights,
Community Emergency Response Team, the City Council Election, and RYDE.
SUMMARIZE ACTION ITEMS
None
AGENDA ITEMS FOR NEXT MEETING – AUGUST 28, 2018
None
ADJOURNMENT
Chair Burley adjourned the meeting at 8:20 p.m.
Minutes respectfully submitted:
Crystal Bothelio, Deputy City Manager
City of Saratoga
Serving the unincorporated areas of Santa Clara County and the cities of Campbell | Cupertino | Gilroy | Los Altos | Los Altos Hills | Milpitas | Monte Sereno |
Morgan Hill | Saratoga
July 2018
Commission Report
Nancy Howe, County Librarian
Say Hello to Go Go Biblio
Take a bookmobile, make it electric, then shrink it
down to adorable size and you have the new Go Go
Biblio. Santa Clara County Library District will have
four Go Go Biblio mini mobile libraries arriving in
late July. They are ‘fun sized’ electric vehicles
designed to bring the library out to farmer’s markets,
events, schools, senior centers, recreation centers
and so much more. Because they are electric vehicles filled with books, movies, music and
more, we like to say they’re Powered by Imagination.
Cupertino, Los Altos/Woodland and
Saratoga will have their own Go Go
Biblios thanks to funding provided by the
Friends of the Cupertino Library, Los
Altos Library Endowment and Friends of
the Saratoga Libraries respectively. A
fourth vehicle will be available to rotate
between the other libraries. This is a
great opportunity for SCCLD to take
advantage of outreach opportunities
within the community.
When you see one in your neighborhood, at the library or at a local event, be sure to come by
and say “Hello Go Go Biblio!”
Serving the unincorporated areas of Santa Clara County and the cities of Campbell | Cupertino | Gilroy | Los Altos | Los Altos Hills | Milpitas | Monte Sereno |
Morgan Hill | Saratoga
Summer Reading - Mid Point Check in
We’re halfway through Summer Reading with almost 20,000
enrolled (3/4 of our goal) and over 33,000 books logged to date
(1/3 of our community reading goal of 100,000 books). With
one more month to go, and most patrons logging their books
toward the end of the program, we’re confident we’re on track to
meet our Summer Reading goals.
There’s still time to participate if you haven’t yet registered or logged your books. Register,
read at least 5 books and log them for a chance to win prizes from the SF 49ers, Tech
Museum, Gilroy Gardens, Happy Hollow & Zoo, Monster Jam, Bounce-a-Rama and more.
Remember, all reading is good reading!
Library Ballot Measures Under Discussion
Campbell Library and Los Altos Library could be in for a renovation and/or new library if their
City Councils vote to put a measure on the November ballot. Campbell City Manager, working
with Godbe Research, conducted a survey in March 2018 gauging resident support to update
the Campbell Library and Police Department. Based on the survey results, City Council is
discussing a $50 million bond measure for this purpose. The details are still under discussion
as to what would be included and the split between the two facilities. The next City Council
meeting where it will be discussed will be held Tue, July 17.
The North County Library Association has established a Library Renovation Task Force with
representatives from NCLA, LALE, Friends of the Los Altos Library and the Los Altos City
Manager in support of a new Los Altos Library. They have updated the 2008 needs
assessment report, as well as worked with Group 4 to identify the space requireme nts and
estimated cost. A survey was developed in cooperation with Godbe research and the Los
Altos City Manager to test resident support for a 40,000 sq ft new Los Altos Library. The
survey, which went into the market the week of June 25, will test multiple funding levels
including $35 million, $45 million and $55 million as well as support for a parcel tax or a bond
measure. The results will be shared with the Library Renovation Task Force on July 11 and
based on the results, a measure could be proposed to the Los Altos City Council to go onto the
November 2018 ballot.
Serving the unincorporated areas of Santa Clara County and the cities of Campbell | Cupertino | Gilroy | Los Altos | Los Altos Hills | Milpitas | Monte Sereno |
Morgan Hill | Saratoga
ESL Classes Coming in August
Did you know that 37% of Santa Clara County’s
population are foreign born? We live in a diverse
county, rich in various cultures. In support of our
community, starting in August, we will offer free adult
English as a Second Language (ESL) classes at
Milpitas and Gilroy Libraries on weeknights. Classes
will be offered on Mondays and Wednesdays, from
August 6 to December 19. The Milpitas Library class
will start at 6pm and end at 8pm, while the Gilroy
Library will take place from 6:30 until 8:30 pm.
ESL instruction can help patrons improve their listening, speaking, pronunciation, reading, and
writing skills at home and at work. The ESL classes are designed to help patrons increase their
vocabulary, learn common English phrases, learn about American culture, and meet new
people. Sign ups will be taken at the Milpitas and Gilroy reference desks.
Library Trends:
San Diego Public Library is the first California library system to eliminate overdue library fees.
It has been an ongoing discussion amongst many library systems nationwide with more and
more libraries interested in doing away with overdue fees. The big questions include:
Are overdue fines necessary? Do they modify behavior to encourage patrons to return their
materials on time? Do the benefits of having overdue fees outweigh the drawbacks? San
Diego Public Library and the San Diego City Council made the decision to eliminate overdue
library fees for all ages with the change effective as of July 1, 2018.
Serving the unincorporated areas of Santa Clara County and the cities of Campbell | Cupertino | Gilroy | Los Altos | Los Altos Hills | Milpitas | Monte Sereno |
Morgan Hill | Saratoga
Wave goodbye to overdue fees at the San Diego Public Library
Posted: Jun 29, 2018 9:35 AM PDTUpdated: Jun 29, 2018 11:50 AM PDT
SAN DIEGO (NEWS 8) - Good news for people who constantly return library books late.
Beginning July 1st, the San Diego Public Library will no longer charge a daily fee for items
returned past their due date. The new policy will allow staff to use its t ime and resources much
more efficiently.
The library collects $675,000 in fees each year, but spends over $1 million to collect them.
The library expects the new policy to improve access to low-income communities where,
according to an analysis by the City of San Diego, over 40% of library cardholders can’t check
out materials because of late fees.
The new Library Fine Policy is as follows:
- 1 day after the item is due, materials are
considered late. If you have an overdue item,
your library card will be blocked and you will not
be able to check-out any additional items. You
are still able to use the library and renew other
materials you have checked out.
- 7 days after the item is due, the library will
send you an email alerting you that your library
materials are overdue and must be returned or
renewed.
- 14 days after the item is due, the library will
email you a second reminder to return or renew
your items.
- 30 days after the item is due, the library will
consider the items lost and email you an invo ice for the cost of the overdue item, applicable
service fees, and your library card will be barred, preventing you from renewing or checking
out items.
- 60 days after the item is due, the debt will be transferred to the City Treasurer. Your library
card will be barred until the library is notified by the City Treasurer that the fine has been paid.
Serving the unincorporated areas of Santa Clara County and the cities of Campbell | Cupertino | Gilroy | Los Altos | Los Altos Hills | Milpitas | Monte Sereno |
Morgan Hill | Saratoga
Aug 2018
Commission Report
Nancy Howe, County Librarian
SCCLD and First 5 Team up for School Readiness
Young children need to build early literacy skills so that they
will be kindergarten ready. The library offers the tools
families need including opportunities to talk, sing, read, write,
and play with your child to promote language and literacy
development. SCCLD is the perfect place to start the journey
to school readiness with great programs, free resources and
tips for families to help their little ones learn.
This month, in collaboration with First 5 and the Santa Clara County Office of Education, Potter
the Otter visits SCCLD libraries to talk about the NEW book - Potter the Otter Gets Ready for
Kindergarten. Hear this new story, receive a free copy of the book and have your picture taken
with Potter.
SCCLD STORYTIME VISITS WITH POTTER THE OTTER
Campbell Library
77 Harrison Ave., Campbell, CA 95008
(408) 866-1991
Tue 8/21 at 7pm
Cupertino Library
NONE
Gilroy Library
350 W. Sixth Street, Gilroy, CA 95020
(408) 842-8207
Tue 8/28 at 4pm Spanish Bilingual
Los Altos Library
13 S. San Antonio Road, Los Altos, CA 94022
(650) 948-7683
Wed 8/29 at 11:00am
Serving the unincorporated areas of Santa Clara County and the cities of Campbell | Cupertino | Gilroy | Los Altos | Los Altos Hills | Milpitas | Monte Sereno |
Morgan Hill | Saratoga
Milpitas Library
160 North Main Street, Milpitas, CA 95035
(408) 262-1171
Mon 8/27 at 11:00am Mandarin Bilingual
Morgan Hill Library
660 West Main Ave., Morgan Hill, CA 95037
(408) 779-3196
Thu 8/23 at 11:00am
Saratoga Library
13650 Saratoga Ave, Saratoga, CA 95070
(408) 867-6126
Thu 8/30 at 10:30am
Adobe Creative Classes Coming to SCCLD
Learn to use five major Adobe
products programs including
Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign,
Premiere Pro and Animate at a
series of free classes, to be held at
SCCLD libraries beginning in
September. Enhance and repair your
family photos with Photoshop. Take
drawings to new heights and learn to
create your own logo with Illustrator.
Use InDesign to create print projects
like stationary, printed books,
brochures and games. Learn how to create animated cartoons, advertisements and games
with Animate. Finally, enhance your videos with audio and graphics using effects, filters and
titles through Premiere Pro.
9/8 Milpitas Photoshop and Illustrator
9/15 Milpitas InDesign and Premiere Pro
9/22 Campbell Photoshop and Illustrator
9/29 Campbell Animate and Premiere Pro
10/6 Gilroy Photoshop and Illustrator
10/13 Gilroy InDesign and Premiere Pro
Serving the unincorporated areas of Santa Clara County and the cities of Campbell | Cupertino | Gilroy | Los Altos | Los Altos Hills | Milpitas | Monte Sereno |
Morgan Hill | Saratoga
10/20 Morgan Hill* Photoshop and Illustrator
10/27 Saratoga Photoshop and Illustrator
11/3 Morgan Hill* Animate and Premiere Pro
11/10 Los Altos Photoshop and Illustrator
11/17 Los Altos Animate and Premiere Pro
12/1 Saratoga InDesign and Premiere Pro
12/8 Cupertino Photoshop and Illustrator
12/15 Cupertino InDesign and Premiere Pro
*Dates for Morgan Hill are tentative depending on construction.
For class times and to register please go to: www.sccl.org/events, Computers will be provided.
Pre-registration is required due to limited class size. Classes are free and open to the public.
SCCLD Introduces SimplyE
If you are looking for a better solution to manage your
eBooks from the library, SCCLD has a solution.
SimplyE simplifies the eBook catalog and download
experience. View, browse, check out, download, read
and return eBooks from our OverDrive and
CloudLibrary catalogs, and Spanish eBooks in Odilo
using the SimplyE app.
You can access SimplyE from our Mobile Apps page, as well as the eBooks & Audiobooks
pages in the Online Library 24/7, Teens’ Online Library, and Kids’ Online Library. Download
the app to your electronic device, select Santa Clara County Library District as your library,
and enter your library card and PIN. No extra account, and no further sign-ins; SimplyE will
remember your card! Browse, borrow, and reserve eBooks from our all -in-one catalog, as well
as public domain eBooks added by SimplyE. The public domain books have no waitlist or tim e
limit – you can keep those and read them as often as you like! Happy reading!
Library Trends:
On July 21, a contributing editor to Forbes wrote an article about why Amazon should replace
local libraries to save taxpayers money. The article met with a storm of angry responses on
social media. The discussion was all over the internet with a heated discussion why libraries
are a valued part of a community. Days later, Forbes retracted the story. Below is an article
from July 23 that ran on Fast Company.
Serving the unincorporated areas of Santa Clara County and the cities of Campbell | Cupertino | Gilroy | Los Altos | Los Altos Hills | Milpitas | Monte Sereno |
Morgan Hill | Saratoga
Forbes suggested Amazon should replace libraries, and people
aren’t having it
BY MICHAEL GROTHAUS
FAST COMPANY
Update: Monday, July 23, 1:23 p.m.:
The Forbes article appears to have been deleted, as the link now leads to an error message.
Original post:
A Forbes contributor wrote a short piece titled “Amazon Should Replace Local Libraries to
Save Taxpayers Money,” arguing that libraries should be shuttered in return for Amazon
opening bookstores in local communities. At the gist of the writer’s argument is that Starbucks
has replaced libraries as a friendly place to go and read and streaming services like Amazon
Prime Video have replaced video rentals, which many local libraries had provided. And then:
“Of course, there’s Amazon Books to consider. Amazon have created their
own online library that has made it easy for the masses to access both
physical and digital copies of books. Amazon Books is a chain of bookstores
that does what Amazon originally intended to do; replace the local bookstore.
It improves on the bookstore model by adding online searches and coffee
shops. Amazon Go basically combines a library with a Starbucks.”
Taken together, why should taxpayers keep paying money to fund local libraries, the writer
argues:
“At the core, Amazon has provided something better than a local library
without the tax fees. This is why Amazon should replace local libraries. The
move would save taxpayers money and enhance the stockholder value of
Amazon all in one fell swoop.”
And then Twitter came to the rescue: (abbreviated version of the twitter feeds listed below)
Panos Mourdoukoutas@PMourdoukoutas
Serving the unincorporated areas of Santa Clara County and the cities of Campbell | Cupertino | Gilroy | Los Altos | Los Altos Hills | Milpitas | Monte Sereno |
Morgan Hill | Saratoga
· 22 Jul
Let me clarify something. Local libraries aren't free. Home owners must pay a local library tax. My bill is
$495/year.
DamagedNotion@Damagednotion
Seniors pay 200 or more to have someone do taxes, but the library does it for free. Free
movies during the summer for kids. They make ice cream and crafts. During storms and
emergencies they function as shelters. It’s almost like my tax dollars bring safety and joy to
people.
5:32 PM - Jul 22, 2018
Ella Disenchanted@McTestaInc
We provide computer and software training. We assist in job searches and all of the resources
needed to do so. And in many rural communities, we are often the only source of inte rnet
access. In urban areas as well sometimes. Plus thousands of other services we offer.
2:04 AM - Jul 23, 2018 · Lakewood, WA
Her Pegship@HerPegship
Libraries with trained staff are worth any tax required; even non -users profit from their
community's quality of life. What would an Amazon storefront provide? A place to buy or read
only books that are currently in print, free wifi & electricity. The end.
5:56 PM - Jul 22, 2018
Serving the unincorporated areas of Santa Clara County and the cities of Campbell | Cupertino | Gilroy | Los Altos | Los Altos Hills | Milpitas | Monte Sereno |
Morgan Hill | Saratoga
Marziah@marziah
Let me clarify something. If the *only* thing my local library did was help a domestic violence
victim find information on the nearest shelter, I'd gladly pay double what you in taxes a year.
And yeah, libraries do that sort of thing.
7:21 PM - Jul 22, 2018
Katie@kejtia
Libraries are the last public spaces in society where there’s no pay to play. They are the
peoples’ universities. Equalizers.
Small business and nonprofits launch from there. And no one is required to bring money to
participate. Libraries make our communities stronger. Shoo.
7:34 PM - Jul 22, 2018
Karen McPherson @MLA_Karen
Libraries offer so much more than books. I haven't seen any resume workshops in book
stores, or kids story time, or meetings of local clubs. Libraries aren't driven by best seller lists,
they're driven by providing information to people, in many formats.
7:41 PM - Jul 22, 2018
Melissa Baker@bakerpartyofsix
Serving the unincorporated areas of Santa Clara County and the cities of Campbell | Cupertino | Gilroy | Los Altos | Los Altos Hills | Milpitas | Monte Sereno |
Morgan Hill | Saratoga
I have 4 kids. We visit the library about once a month and each kid gets to pick out 5 -6 books,
plus we check out audio books, not to mention what I read. At $10 -$15 each, that’s over $3000
a year we save using the library. I’m ok with those taxes.
8:08 PM - Jul 22, 2018
pammoran@pammoran
Public libraries are this thing called the common good - we all share in paying for them so that
others with less means benefit. It’s what humanity does to advance civilization. Go support
your public library; shelve books, read to a child, help a senior citizen find a book.
2:11 AM - Jul 23, 2018
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SARATOGA LIBRARY REPORT
July 2018
Mike Eitner, Community Librarian
SARAOTGA LIBRARY PARTNERS WITH MONTALVO FOR ART INSTALLATION
On July 16, Brazilian artist Marila Dardot visited the Saratoga
Library. Ms. Dardot was in Saratoga to premier a large-scale
installation on the Great Lawn of Montalvo titled “Saudade.”
Although nearly impossible to translate, saudade has been
described by Aubrey Bell as “a vague and constant desire for
something that does not and probably cannot exist, for
something other than the present.”
The installation’s purpose was to amplify the voices of
immigrants to the United States, and consisted of flags painted
by first-generation immigrants of their home countries as well
as words or symbols of what they miss from these countries.
Saratoga library patrons contributed 12 flags to the exhibit, and the above photo shows their creations.
Ms. Dardot’s installation was on display from Sunday, July 16, through Friday, July 20. After the
installation, the flags were given to their creators.
STATISTICS May 2017 May 2018 June 2017 June 2018
Total Circulation 85,554 94,094 96,600 102,591
Adult/Teen Circulation 45,411 49,311 49,510 52,557
Children’s Circulation 40,143 44,783 46,790 50,034
Use of E-Book Collection
(OverDrive Vendor) 2,394 3,362 2,656 3,601
Use of Downloadable Audio
Books (OverDrive Vendor) 1,181 1,859 1,228 1,876
Total Number of Programs 75 85 45 52
Programs Total Attendance 2,514 2,916 1,693 2,192
Unique WiFi Users 5,561 5,476
New Library Cards Issued 178 211 311 358
Gate Count: Library Use 34,546 33,574 34,775 32,485
Outreach Events 7 10 7 9
Outreach Total Attendance 1,676 1,831 1,573 1,030
Volunteer Hours 1,530 1,263 1,384 1,240
OUTREACH
Saratoga Library staff attended the Summer Movie Night, Blossom Festival, West Valley College
Farmer’s Market, and Lexington Elementary End of School Fair.
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SPOTLIGHT ON AUGUST PROGRAMS
Children
Sterling the Bubblesmith, Wednesday, August 1, 3:00 p.m.
Be amazed as Sterling the Bubblesmith works magic with bubbles. See him form bubbles inside of
bubbles, enormous bubbles and fill the sky with bubbles.
Dot and Dash, Thursday, August 2, 3:00 p.m.
Spark creativity and be inspired to have fun with our Dot & Dash robotics! With Dot & Dash, learn to
code at any skill level! Online registration required--space is limited. This program is for children in
Grades 1-6.
Circus of Smiles, Saturday, August 4, 11:00 a.m.
Join us for an action-packed spectacle of silliness and wonder that will leave you in stitches. They
juggle, they joke, they do incredible feats of strength, they are the Circus of Smiles.
Golden Acorn Music, Wednesday, August 8, 3:00 p.m.
Close out summer with an afternoon of music, movement, instruments, and stories — all in one warm,
inviting children's concert. You'll dance, you'll learn, and you'll leave with a smile.
Paws to Read, Tuesday, August 14, 7:00 p.m., and Tuesday, August 28, 4:00 p.m.
K-5th graders improve your pronunciation skills while gaining self-confidence. Join us for the Paws to
Read program at the Saratoga Library and read to a patient and quiet therapy animal from Growing
Guides. Register in person at the Children's Desk.
Teen
College Essay Workshop with UC Focus, Saturday, August 11, 10:00 a.m.
A great college essay communicates all the necessary information about you as a person. Learn what
colleges seek and get help writing the essays that best showcase you. Under the supervision of an
essay specialist, students will learn what should and should not go in the essay, study a sample essay,
brainstorm potential topics and find their unique writing voice for their UC application. Because seating
is limited, class of 2019 students please register for this workshop.
Introduction to Java, Friday, August 17 and August 24, 4:00 p.m.
In this two-week workshop, learn the basics of Java programming: develop, compile, and run simple
programs. This workshop is taught by DeAnza College Faculty Member Lalitha Krishnamurthy.
Space is limited, teens age 14 through 18 sign up online.
PSAT Practice Test, Saturday, August 25, 1:00 p.m.
Get experience with the PSAT without pressure. Take a practice test at the library! Online registration
required. This program is open to Grades 8 through 12 only. Please bring a pencil and calculator. Test
results will be available at the results seminar on Tuesday, September 4.
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Adults
Grand Tour Great Britain: English Country Dancing, Monday, August 6, 7:00 p.m.
Channel your inner Jane Austen! What was the social role of dancing in the English Regency period?
Alan Winston will give a brief overview of English country dance and teach traditional dances. He will
be accompanied by a live trio playing traditional instruments.
Grand Tour Great Britain: The Not-So Secret Life of Charles Dickens, Friday, August 17, 10:30 a.m.
Charles Dickens' adoring public was unaware of two dark secrets in his personal life--one of which, if
revealed, would have ruined his career. Ironically, both secrets are in pretty plain view in his novels. A
talk by English professor Tim Farrell.
Grand Tour Great Britain: Rambling the English Countryside and Exploring Rare Bits of Wales,
Monday, August 20, 7:00 p.m.
Join photographer and musician David Couzens in an eclectic cherry-picked solo trip across the pond.
Starting in London, we'll daytrip to Greenwich to tell the time, stay in an Oxford University dorm, seek
out Harry Potter in Gloucester, search for Brother Cadfael in Shrewsbury, and explore the villages and
pathways of the Cotswolds. In Wales, we'll take an old rail line to a spa town, meet Charles Dickens'
great-great grandson, visit the smallest city in the UK with its magnificent cathedral, and hike along the
rugged Pembrokeshire coast, dodging raindrops and deciphering the local accents along the way.
Pain Relief without Medications Friday, August 24, 10:30 a.m. (English) and 12:30 p.m. (Mandarin)
Li Yang will show participants how to relieve pain with their own hands using the simple techniques she
has developed in her practice. Li is a licensed acupuncturist who has worked with patients in the Bay
Area and in remote regions of Asia and India.
For additional details about events, click on “Events” at www.sccl.org.
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RECENT PROGRAMS
Korean Dance
For Goodness Snakes
National Summer Reading Day Musical Parade
Thank you Friends of the Saratoga Libraries for generously funding library programs and events!
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SARATOGA LIBRARY REPORT
August 2018
Mike Eitner, Community Librarian
SUMMER READING CHALLENGE A GREAT SUCCESS
More than 2500 children, teens, and adults from the Saratoga Library
— a 65% increase from last year — participated in the 2018 Summer
Reading Challenge. This year, the Summer Reading Challenge also
included a community-wide goal of reading more than 100,000 books.
As of August 15, participants logged more than 140,000 books. Thank
you for enthusiastically embracing the Summer Reading Challenge
and for coming together as a community to demonstrate the
importance of reading!
With generous support from the Friends of the Saratoga Libraries, the
library offered fun and educational programs during the Summer
Reading Challenge such as For Goodness Snakes, Circus of Smiles, and
Sterling the Bubblesmith. There were screams of delight (and a few
screams of fright) during these family programs.
The Friends of the Saratoga Libraries also provided coupons for the Book-Go-Round. Thank you to the
Friends of the Saratoga Libraries! The Summer Reading Challenge would not be the same without your
support.
STATISTICS June 2017 June 2018 July 2017 July 2018
Total Circulation 96,600 102,591 100,119 107,528
Adult/Teen Circulation 49,510 52,557 53,534 56,708
Children’s Circulation 46,790 50,034 46,585 50,820
Use of E-Book Collection
(OverDrive Vendor) 2,656 3,601 2,831 3,994
Use of Downloadable Audio
Books (OverDrive Vendor) 1,228 1,876 1,261 1,981
Total Number of Programs 45 52 32 31
Programs Total Attendance 1,693 2,192 1,872 1,541
Unique WiFi Users 5,476 5,438
New Library Cards Issued 311 358 266 311
Gate Count: Library Use 34,775 32,485 35,114 32,584
Outreach Events 7 9 2 2
Outreach Total Attendance 1,573 1,030 193 179
Volunteer Hours 1,384 1,240 1,385 1,286
OUTREACH
Saratoga Library staff attended the Summer Movie Night and West Valley College Farmer’s Market.
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SPOTLIGHT ON SEPTEMBER PROGRAMS
Children
Play with Clay, Saturday, September 15, 22, and 29, 2:00 p.m.
Are you a budding artist? Are you willing to get your hands dirty in the name of art? Learn how to mold
and shape clay, and then paint and glaze your masterpiece in this 3-part ceramics workshop, on
Saturday September 15, 22, and 29. Must be able to come ALL 3 Saturdays. For grades 4-8. Limited to
20 participants. Registration Required.
Lego Club, Tuesday, September 17, 4:00 p.m.
Love LEGOs? Kids of all ages are invited to drop in and create all sorts of fun. The library provides the
LEGOs, you provide the creativity!
Fall Family Concert with Jose-Luis Orozco, Tuesday, September 18, 10:30 a.m.
Join us for a vibrant and joyful morning concert with bilingual educator and children's author Jose-Luis
Orozco. You'll sing, you'll dance, you may even learn a few new words. This family concert is for all
ages.
Teen
PSAT Strategies and Test Results Seminar, Tuesday, September 4, 7:00 p.m.
Are you planning on taking the PSAT? Not sure if you should? Come to this seminar to learn test taking
strategies and find out why you should take this test. If you participated in the 8/25 practice test, you
will receive your test results.
Saturday Screenings, Saturday, September 8, 2:00 p.m.
Join us with your friends to watch a movie on the big screen. Snacks provided.
Adults
A Hen’s Tale: From a Battery Cage to Playing Cards, Tuesday, September 11, 7:00 p.m.
Come and listen to the story of Marjo, a laying hen rescued from a factory farm who learned to play
cards. Learn how chickens make great pets and what is involved in keeping them in your backyard.
Retirement Right Sizing – Age in Place or Downsize, Friday, September 21, 10:30 a.m.
Joel Smith and Rob McCarthy, with more than 25 years of experience in Bay Area Real Estate and
Senior Lifestyle Finance, will describe the options available to senior home owners.
Dark Money Screening, Saturday, September 22, 10:00 a.m.
Dark Money is a 2018 documentary directed by filmmaker Kimberly Reed about the effects of
corporate money and influence in the American political system. The 90 minute film follows an intrepid
Montana journalist as he works to expose the impact of the U.S. Supreme Court’s Citizens United
decision on elections. Dark Money premiered at the 2018 Sundance Film Festival and the Big Sky Film
Festival in February 2018.
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Ann Ravel, League of Women Voters member and former Chair of the Federal Election Commission
(FEC), will respond to audience questions at the end of the showing.
One-on-One Appointments with a Nutritionist, Monday, September 24, 6:00 p.m.
Make your free appointment now with a Public Health Registered Dietician Nutritionist! Only six 20-
minute spots available. Get advice about your eating habits from a professional. Ask about carbs,
calories, and cravings. Learn how to meal plan and find reliable nutrition information. Don’t miss this
unique opportunity to take advantage of a personalized one-on-one appointment with an Registered
Dietician Nutritionist for free! Registration required. Please call 408-293-2326 x 3048 to make your
appointment.
Edible Native Gardens, Tuesday, September 25, 7:00 p.m.
Plants produce compounds called “phyto-nutrients” that help them combat germs, fungi, pests, too
much sun, and other threats. Many of these plant-based chemicals are good for humans, too, and have
been used for thousands of years as medicines. Native plants can provide more of these healthful
nutrients than plants which have been bred for sweetness and commercial production. Find out more
about this intriguing subject and which native species you can plant and eat.
Help Your Kids Buy a Home in Today’s Market, Saturday, September 29, 10:30 a.m.
Joel Smith and Rob McCarthy, with more than 25 years in Bay Area Real Estate and Home Financing,
will discuss options to purchase in today’s challenging market that provide adult children a hand up —
not a hand-out — including equity sharing, gifting, and co-signing.
For additional details about events, click on “Events” at www.sccl.org.
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RECENT PROGRAMS
Asheba
Sterling the Bubblesmith
Coding with Dot and Dash
Thank you Friends of the Saratoga Libraries for generously funding library programs and events!
FSL President's Report for Library Commission August 2018
- In our June 2018 general meeting, we approved the board member slate for the 2018 -2019 fiscal
year:
President: Alice Patrick
Vice-President: Liz Guy
Secretary: Sue Carter
Treasurer: Michelle Fan
Assistant Treasurer: Christina Kuo
Membership: Diane Douglass
Publicity: David Guidry
Programs: Woanyu Yu
Community Events and Hospitality: Dory Albert
Newsletter: open
Kristin Gragnola continues as Manager of Retail Operations, an appointed position. Liz Guy will serve
as the acting Newsletter chair.
- In July, under the direction of Yi Chang, our webmaster, the fslonline.org platform was converted
from Knivis to WIX. This will give us much more freedom to redesign and enhance the site.
CITY OF SARATOGA
Memorandum
To: Library Commission
From: Crystal Bothelio, Deputy City Manager
Date: August 28, 2018
Subject: Commission Report
Bollywood in the Village this Sunday, August 26!
The Saratoga Village Development Council is hosting the 10th Annual Bollywood in the Village
this Sunday, August 26 from 4:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. in the Bank of America Parking Lot, 14476
Big Basin Way, in downtown Saratoga. Dress up in Bollywood attire and dance the night away
with friends and family at this free event! After the fun, enjoy dinner at one of downtown
Saratoga’s wonderful restaurants.
Superhero Dance for Individuals with Disabilities
The Saratoga Recreation Department will host a Dance for Individuals with Disabilities (ages 14
and older) on Friday, September 21 from 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. at the Joan Pisani Community
Center, 19655 Allendale Avenue. Parents and support staff are welcome to join, and attendees
are encouraged to dress as their favorite superheroes! Admission is $5 pre-registration or $7 at
the door (cash or check only) and the registration form must be completed prior to entrance.
Tickets can be purchased in advance at the Recreation Department or by mail. For more
information and to download the necessary registration form, visit
www.saratoga.ca.us/herodance or call 408.868.1249.
Volunteer Drivers Needed!
The Saratoga Area Senior Center is seeking volunteer drivers for Reach Your Destination Easily
(RYDE), a curb-to-curb transportation service for adults ages 55 and older living in the West
Valley Cities. The majority of RYDEs are provided by volunteer drivers, and you can volunteer as
little as 2 hours per week to help seniors age in their own homes and prevent social isolation.
For more information about this rewarding volunteer opportunity, or to register for RYDE
services, contact the Saratoga RYDE Coordinator at 408.892.9739.
Commission Recognition Dinner
Save the date for the Commission Recognition Dinner on Tuesday, October 30, 2018 at 7:00
p.m. at the Saratoga Foothill Club.