HomeMy WebLinkAbout04-28-2020 Library Commission Agenda PacketSaratoga Library Commission Agenda - Page 1 of 3
SARATOGA
LIBRARY COMMISSION
REGULAR MEETING
April 28, 2020
7:00 P.M. REGULAR MEETING
Teleconference/Public Participation Information to Mitigate the Spread of COVID‐19
This meeting will be entirely by teleconference. All Commission members, staff, and public will
only participate via the Zoom platform using the process described below. The meeting is being
conducted in compliance with the Governor’s Executive Order N-29-20 suspending certain
teleconference rules required by the Ralph M. Brown Act. The purpose of this order was to provide
the safest environment for the public, elected officials, and staff while allowing for continued
operation of the government and public participation during the COVID-19 pandemic.
1. Using the Zoom website https://us02web.zoom.us/j/422991930 or App (Webinar ID 422-
991-930) and using the tool to raise their hand in the Zoom platform when directed by
the Chair to speak on an agenda item; OR
2. Calling 1.408.638.0968 or 1.669.900.6833 and pressing *9 to raise their hand to speak on
an agenda item when directed by the Chair.
The public will not be able to participate in the meeting in person. As always, members of the public can send written comments to the Commission prior to the meeting by commenting online at www.saratoga.ca.us/lc prior to the start of the meeting. These emails will be provided to the members of the Commission and will become part of the official record of the meeting. During the meeting the Chair will explain the process for members of the public to be recognized
to offer public comment.
In accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act and the Governor’s Executive Order, if you
need assistance to participate in this meeting due to a disability, please contact the City Clerk at
debbieb@saratoga.ca.us or calling 408.868.1216 as soon as possible before the meeting. The City will use its best efforts to provide reasonable accommodations to provide as much accessibility
as possible while also maintaining public safety.
ROLL CALL
Saratoga Library Commission Agenda - Page 2 of 3
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. AGENDA ITEMS 1. Library Commission Minutes Recommended Action: Review and approve the Library Commission minutes from February 25, 2020 meeting.
2. Saratoga Library Teen Advisory Board Report
Recommended Action: Receive report from the Teen Advisory Board.
3. Commission Work Plan Study Session Debrief
Recommended Action:
Conduct a debrief of the Commission Work Plan Study Session, including the addition of
Library Commission consideration of expanding the scope of the Commission to include
communitywide engagement efforts and return to the City Council with a
recommendation.
4. Community News & Trends
Recommended Action:
Share news and trends within the community.
REPORTS
1. Santa Clara County Library District 2. Saratoga Community Library 3. Friends of the Saratoga Libraries 4. Library Commission Chair 5. City of Saratoga SUMMARIZE ACTION ITEMS AGENDA ITEMS FOR NEXT MEETING
ADJOURNMENT
Saratoga Library Commission Agenda - Page 3 of 3
CERTIFICATE OF POSTING OF THE AGENDA, DISTRIBUTION OF AGENDA PACKET, & COMPLIANCE WITH AMERICANS WITH DISABILITIES ACT
I, Crystal Bothelio, Assistant City Manager for the City of Saratoga, declare that the foregoing agenda for the meeting of the City Council was posted and available for review on April 24, 2020 at the City of Saratoga, 13777 Fruitvale Avenue, Saratoga, California and on the City's website at www.saratoga.ca.us.
Signed this 24th of April 2020 at Saratoga, California.
Crystal Bothelio, Assistant City Manager
In accordance with the Ralph M. Brown Act, copies of the staff reports and other materials provided to the City Council by City staff in connection with this agenda, copies of materials distributed to the City Council concurrently with the posting of the agenda, and materials distributed to the City Council by staff after
the posting of the agenda are available on the City Website at www.saratoga.ca.us. Following removal of State and local shelter in place orders these materials will be available for review in the office of the City Clerk at 13777 Fruitvale Avenue, Saratoga, California.
In Compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, if you need assistance to participate in this meeting, please contact the City Clerk at debbieb@saratoga.ca.us or calling 408.868.1216 as soon as possible before the meeting. The City will use its best efforts to provide reasonable accommodations to provide as much accessibility as possible while also maintaining public safety.
[28 CFR 35.102-35.104 ADA title II]
City of Saratoga
Library Commission
MEMBERSHIP
Name Term End
Eric Lewis 9/30/2020
Steven White, Monte Sereno Representative 9/30/2021
Robert Gulino, Chair 9/30/2021
Christina Meiser, Vice Chair 9/30/2022
Vacant 9/30/2023
Staff:
Crystal Bothelio, City of Saratoga | 408.868.1269 | cbothelio@saratoga.ca.us
RESPONSIBILITIES, DUTIES, & RELATIONSHIPS – RESOLUTION 19-052
RESPONSIBILITIES
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 Community Librarian. 2. Identify and bring to the attention of the City Council, the City staff, and the Santa Clara County Library staff (as appropriate) current 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.
DUTIES
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, City staff, Santa Clara County Library staff, and the Saratoga Community Librarian on matters related to Library services.
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. Provide support and/or advice on 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. Engage the Saratoga Teen Advisory Board in matters concerning use of the Library and programs.
RELATIONSHIPS
1. The Library Commission shall report to and be responsible to the Saratoga City Council.
The City Manager is authorized to appoint a City staff member to serve as a liaison
representative between the Council, staff and the Library Commission on administrative
matters.
2. The Library Commission shall have no administrative authority over the Library's operation, or activities of City staff. 3. The Library Commission shall have authority to call meetings, conduct hearings, perform analysis and make contacts with various interested parties in carrying out its basic responsibilities. 4. The Library Commission may act on its own initiative, based on its own assessment of needs, or upon request from other interested parties such as the City Council, the City staff, and the Santa Clara County Library staff.
AGENDA PLANNER
The holds regular meetings on the 4th Tuesday of even-numbered months at 7:00 p.m. at the
Saratoga Library and may schedule special meetings or cancel meetings as needed.
MEETING AGENDA ITEMS REPORTS
February 25, 2020 • Minutes
• Selection of Chair and Vice
Chair
• Commission Handbook
• Finalize 2020 Work Plan
• 2020 Regular Meeting Schedule
• New Library District Website
• Community News & Trends
• Summarize Action Items
• Library District
• Saratoga Library
• Friends of the Saratoga
Libraries
• Teen Advisory Board
• Commission Chair
• City
March 9, 2020
6:00 p.m.
Commission Work Plan Study Session
Saratoga Senior Center, 19655 Allendale Avenue
April 28, 2020 • Minutes
• Commission Work Plan Study Session Debrief
• Community News & Trends
• Library District
• Saratoga Library
• Friends of the Saratoga Libraries
• Summarize Action Items • Teen Advisory Board
• Commission Chair
• City
June 23, 2020 • Minutes
• Community News & Trends
• Summarize Action Items
• Library District
• Saratoga Library
• Friends of the Saratoga
Libraries
• Teen Advisory Board
• Commission Chair
• City
August 25, 2020 • Minutes
• Community News & Trends
• Summarize Action Items
• Library District
• Saratoga Library
• Friends of the Saratoga Libraries
• Teen Advisory Board
• Commission Chair
• City
October 27, 2020 • Minutes
• Selection of Chair and Vice Chair
• Commission Handbook
• Consider 2020 Work Plan
• Community News & Trends
• Summarize Action Items
• Library District
• Saratoga Library
• Friends of the Saratoga
Libraries
• Teen Advisory Board
• Commission Chair
• City
December 15, 2020 • Minutes
• Finalize 2020 Work Plan
• Community News & Trends
• Summarize Action Items
• Library District
• Saratoga Library
• Friends of the Saratoga
Libraries
• Teen Advisory Board
• Commission Chair
• City
2020 LIBRARY COMMISSION DRAFT 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 other local events and organizations, including West Valley College
4. Help increase the number of residents with library cards 5. Provide a recommendation to City Council on expanding the scope of the Library
Commission to include community engagement
TOPICS IN DETAIL
1. Support library events and programs
a) Attend library events as Commissioners and/or participants (eg, Silicon Valley Reads programs, trivia events, etc.)
b) Volunteer to assist library staff at library events (for example, Junior Achievement)
c) Volunteer at outreach programs (eg, Saturday Farmers Market, Movie Nights, Blossom Festival) to increase number of card holders
d) Invite the City Council to and share information about library and Library Commission programs, events, and activities with the City Council
2. Promote library events and programs; engage in Information sharing with the library
and the public a) 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.)
b) Brainstorm with Director of County Library Communication and Marketing on ways to promote Library events and programs
c) Write an article for Saratoga Source (monthly e-newsletter) or Saratoga Newspaper to feature library program(s)
d) 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
e) Attend annual Friends and Commissioner forum
f) Interact with other County Library Commissions and JPA, when appropriate g) Work with Friends of the Saratoga Libraries to promote and cross promote
events and activities
3. Identify continuing opportunities to partner with other local events and
organizations, including West Valley College
4. Help increase the number of residents with library cards
a) Volunteer at outreach programs b) Target Monte Sereno residents
5. Provide a recommendation to City Council on expanding scope of the Library
Commission to include community engagement
Saratoga Library Commission Minutes - Page 1 of 3
MINUTES
SARATOGA LIBRARY COMMISSION
REGULAR MEETING FEBRUARY 25, 2020 CALL TO ORDER Vice Chair Robert Gulino called the meeting to order at 7:03 p.m. at the Saratoga Library at 13650 Saratoga Avenue.
ROLL CALL
Present: Vice Chair Robert Gulino, Commissioner Eric Lewis, Christina Meiser Steven White Absent: None Also Present: Allison Lew, Annapurna Dandu, Alice Patrick, Viraaj Reddi, Shreya Mani, Debbie Bretschneider, Crystal Bothelio
ORAL COMMUNICATIONS ON NON-AGENDIZED ITEMS
None
AGENDA ITEMS
1. Library Commission Minutes
Recommended Action:
Review and approve the Library Commission minutes from August 27, 2019 meeting.
GULINO/MEISER MOVED TO APPROVE THE LIBRARY COMMISSION MINUTES FROM AUGUST 27, 2019 MEETING. MOTION PASSED. AYES: GULINO, MEISER, WHITE. NOES: NONE. ABSTAIN: LEWIS. ABSENT: NONE. 2. Saratoga Library Teen Advisory Board Report Recommended Action: Receive report from the Teen Advisory Board. Viraaj Reddi and Shreya Mani provided a report from the Saratoga Teen Advisory Board.
3. Selection of Chair and Vice Chair
Recommended Action: Select new Chair and Vice Chair to serve October 2019 through September 2020. The Chair and Vice Chair serve a term of 1 year. Each Commissioner may only serve as Chair or Vice
Chair once during a 4-year term on the Commission.
Saratoga Library Commission Minutes - Page 2 of 3
LEWIS/WHITE MOVED TO NOMINATE ROBERT GULINO AS CHAIR AND CHRISTINA
MEISER AS VICE CHAIR. MOTION PASSED. AYES: GULINO, LEWIS, MEISER, WHITE. NOES: NONE. ABSTAIN: NONE. ABSENT: NONE. 4. Commission Handbook Recommended Action: Receive presentation from City Clerk Debbie Bretschneider on the City of Saratoga Commission Handbook.
City Clerk Debbie Bretschneider provided a presentation on the City of Saratoga
Commission Handbook.
5. 2020 Library Commission Work Plan
Recommended Action: Finalize the proposed 2020 work plan. Commission work plans are scheduled to be presented to the City Council for consideration at the Commission Work Plan Study
Session on March 9, 2020 at the Saratoga Senior Center.
The Commission discussed the proposed 2020 Work Plan and provided staff with direction
on desired changes.
WHITE/MEISER MOVED TO RECOMMEND CITY COUNCIL APPROVAL OF THE 2020
LIBRARY COMMISSION WORK PLAN, TO BE PRESENTED AT THE COMMISSION
WORK PLAN STUDY SESSION. MOTION PASSED. AYES: GULINO, LEWIS, MEISER, WHITE.
NOES: NONE. ABSTAIN: NONE. ABSENT: NONE.
6. 2020 Library Commission Meeting Schedule
Recommended Action: Review the Library Commission’s 2020 regular meeting schedule. The Commission discussed the regular meeting schedule for 2020 and agreed to reschedule the December meeting for December 15, 2020. 7. New Library District Website Recommended Action: Receive presentation on the new Santa Clara County Library District website.
Allison Lew, Library Services Manager – Public Technology, Virtual Library, & Cataloging,
provided a presentation on the new Santa Clara County Library District website.
Saratoga Library Commission Minutes - Page 3 of 3
8. Community News & Trends
Recommended Action:
Share news and trends within the community. Chair Gulino commented on the attendance of a Library privacy program. REPORTS 1. Santa Clara County Library District Allison Lew reported on the patron satisfaction survey, tax assistance services, voter resources, and Silicon Valley Reads.
2. Saratoga Community Library
Annapurna Dandu reported on a circulation and the Library art exhibit space.
3. Friends of the Saratoga Libraries
Alice Patrick reported on the use of Square by the Friends.
4. Library Commission Chair
No report.
5. City of Saratoga
Crystal Bothelio reported on emergency preparedness courses, Paint the City voting, and the ability to text to 9-1-1. SUMMARIZE ACTION ITEMS Chair Gulino and Commissioner Lewis agreed to attend the Commission Work Plan Study Session. AGENDA ITEMS FOR NEXT MEETING
The Commission requested an agenda item on the outcomes of the Commission Work Plan
Study Session.
ADJOURNMENT
Chair Gulino adjourned the meeting at 9:02 p.m.
Minutes respectfully submitted:
Crystal Bothelio, Assistant City Manager
City of Saratoga
CITY OF SARATOGA
Memorandum
To: Library Commission
From: Crystal Bothelio, Assistant City Manager
Date: April 28, 2020
Subject: Commission Work Plan Study Session Debrief
The City Council held the annual Commission Work Plan Study Session on March 9 to review
proposed work plans from each of the City’s Commissions. The City Council accepted the work
plan for 2020 submitted by the Library Commission with one addition: the City Council directed
the Library Commission to consider broadening the scope of the Commission to include
community engagement efforts beyond the work of Saratoga Library and return to the City
Council with a recommendation.
There are several examples of Commissions that include traditional Library Commission
responsibilities as well as other community engagement functions. For example, the Campbell
Civic Improvement Commission advises the Campbell Council on matters related to the Campbell
Library, beautification, cultural concerns, history, social services, seniors and youth. The
Commission provides the City Council with recommendations on allocation of the City of Campbell Social Services Subgrant applications and awards competitive $500 mini neighborhood building grants.
Other city commissions with community engagement responsibilities, such as the Goleta Public Engagement Commission, are tasked with developing recommendations to the City Council on matters of interest to residents. For example, whether to transition to district-based City Council elections.
A commission with responsibilities related to the Library and engagement in Saratoga could assist the City Council by continuing existing Library-related duties and advising the City Council on matters like Community Event Grant Program allocations, supporting efforts related to public art,
and evaluating important community issues delegated by the City Council, such as noticing
procedures.
As a next step, staff could provide the Commission with a draft resolution updating the Library
Commission’s responsibilities for the Commission to review at the next regular meeting.
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
March 2020
Commission Report
Jennifer Weeks, Acting County Librarian
Introducing Acting County Librarian, Jennifer Weeks
We will be sending Nancy Howe off with a celebration to give her our best
wishes on her retirement. The party is scheduled for Monday, Mar 9, 6pm-
8pm at the Campbell Orchard Banquet Hall in the Campbell Community
Center. If you have not RSVP'd, please do so immediately from
the Punchbowl invitation or contact Cynthia Rios Garcia or Tracy
Ellenberger. Nancy has been County Librarian since 2012 and has served
over 25 years with Santa Clara County Library District. Nancy's vision has
always been to extend library services to everyone, and this is her greatest
legacy.
A national recruitment to fill the County Librarian vacancy is underway. In
the interim, Jennifer Weeks will serve as acting County Librarian, effective
March 2, 2020. Jennifer is currently the Deputy County Librarian for Strategic Initiatives and Organizational
Development and a 15-year veteran of the County Library District. Previously Jennifer very effectively
served as the Library Manager for Children's Services. Jennifer is committed to introducing patrons of all
ages to the joys of reading, lifelong learning and the library. She is well known as a collaborative, positive,
and energetic leader.
Listening to our Patrons &
Discovering the New SCCLD
Website
In 2019, SCCLD conducted its triennial
Patron Satisfaction Survey. The results
are in incorporating input from nearly 7,000 patrons about their experiences with many different aspects
of library operations. The survey results have been broken down for all eight of our libraries and the
Bookmobile, and we will use the results, feedback, and recommendations to help us further improve
our patron experience. Chris Brown, Deputy County Librarian, will continue to visit each of the
Commissions in March to share the highlights from the survey. In addition, each Community Librarian
has received a databook with the detailed results and open-ended comments related to their individual
library.
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
The new website is live and the patron response has been very
positive. Allison Lew, Library Service Manager for Virtual Library,
Public Technology and Cataloging, will alternate with Chris, visiting
each Library Commission in March to share the highlights and give
you a personalized tour of the website.
SILICON VALLEY READS
Silicon Valley Reads has a robust list of events to enjoy in March. Below is a list of some of the
highlight events at each of our libraries. Please visit SiliconValleyReads.org or our website at
sccld.org/svr for a complete list of scheduled events.
CAMPBELL LIBRARY
Life and Times of Rosie the Riveter-FILM
Wed, Mar 4 @ 7-8:30pm
Elaine Elinson, Author of Wherever There’s a
Fight
Mon, Mar 9 @ 7-8:30pm
Anita: Speaking the Truth-FILM
Mon, Mar 23 @ 7-8:30pm
CUPERTINO LIBRARY
Learning from the Lemonade Stand- Children
grades 3 and up
Sat, Mar 7 @ 3pm
STEM Ozobots- Age 8 and up
Mon, Mar 23 @ 4pm
Elaine Elinson, Author of Wherever There’s a
Fight
Wed, Mar 25 @ 7-8:30pm
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
GILROY LIBRARY
Catherine Chung, Author of The Tenth Muse
Sun, Mar 1 @ 2pm
Drumming Workshop with Barbara Bordon
Sun, Mar 8 @ 2pm (registration required)
Maiden- FILM
Wed, Mar 25 6pm
LOS ALTOS LIBRARY
Girl Rising- FILM for Adult/Teen
Sun, Mar 8 @ 2pm
Steve & Susie Swatt- Authors of Paving the
Way
Wed, Mar 11 @ 7-8:30pm
Learning from the Lemonade Stand- Children
grades 3 and up
Sat, Mar 14 @ 2-3:30pm
MILPITAS LIBRARY
The Most Magnificent Thing- FILM for families
Thur, Mar 5 @ 4pm
Learning from the Lemonade Stand- Children
grades 3 and up
Sun, Mar 8 @ 4pm
Tea with Alice and Me- Performance about
Miss Alice Paul
Sun, Mar 22 @ 2-4pm
MORGAN HILL LIBRARY
Learning from the Lemonade Stand- Children
grades 3 and up
Wed, Mar 4 @ 4pm
Lumos: Magical Circuit Wants – STEM for
Mothers and Daughters
Sun, Mar 8 @ 2-4pm
Tea with Alice and Me- Performance about
Miss Alice Paul
Mon, Mar 23 @ 7-9pm
SARATOGA LIBRARY
Life and Times of Rosie the Riveter-FILM
Mon, Mar 9 @ 7-8:45pm
Killing Us Softly- FILM
Mon, Mar 16 @ 7-8:30pm
On the Basis of Sex- FILM
Tue, Mar 24 @ 7-8:45pm
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
LaptopsAnytime Coming to Every Library
Starting in March, SCCLD will be adding laptop kiosks to
every library so those patrons who need a laptop to use
while they are at a SCCLD library will be able to check
one out to use during their visit. These laptops have all
the same software as our desktop computers, including
Adobe Creative Suite and Microsoft Office. Whether you
need to finish up that class or work project or want to
access anything from the online library, the library’s
laptops will be ready to help you meet your goals.
To make it easy, 12 laptops will be stored in a kiosk
inside the library. Use your library card to borrow the
computer for free. Laptops cannot be removed from the
library at any time and all work should be saved onto your
own flash drive as all personal files and viewing history
will be erased when returned to the kiosk. Saratoga and
Milpitas libraries already have kiosks installed, with
another on the way that will contain laptops with a content
filter for children. Cupertino will also be getting two
kiosks, one for adults and one for children that will include
the filter. Campbell, Gilroy, Los Altos, Morgan Hill and Woodland libraries will be getting one
each with laptops for adults.
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
April 2020
Commission Report
Jennifer Weeks, Acting County Librarian
Staying Safe and Keeping Informed
We miss you at the Library. At this time, all of our libraries are closed
until it is deemed safe to open, and we are working remotely. The
SCCLD team is adjusting to this new world along with everyone else.
Thank you for supporting the library as we work to ensure we are best
serving our patrons.
Here is a brief list of what SCCLD has been able to enhance most
recently:
Expanded eBook Collections
Offering Online (virtual) Programs
Call In Book Clubs for Seniors (starting in April)
Chat Reference and Account Services 7 days/week
Extending Loan Periods
Eliminating Fines for All Materials Returned After Reopening
New Daily Blogs for All Ages
Website Homepage Redesign to Feature New Content
Monthly Newsletter Shifting to Weekly Emails
Multiple Social Media Posts Daily with Important Information and our Online Programs
Expanded Access to a Free Library eCard to all Santa Clara County Residents
Sharing Important Information Regarding COVID-19 from our Website Homepage
As a Santa Clara County department, library staff are also Disaster Service Workers. At this time, several of
our staff are serving with the county Emergency Operations Center to assist in critical functions. It is so
amazing to see how people go above and beyond.
SCCLD is continuing to assess what we can do safely for the public and our staff. Please visit our website at
www.sccld.org to see what’s happening - catch a storytime on Facebook or download an eBook or
audiobook! Currently, the best thing for you and for the whole community is to stay at home. The library will
continue to focus on how we can help you and all library patrons with virtual services during this Shelter in
Place.
Be well.
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
Resources for Students and Families while Distance Learning
As the Santa Clara County Office of Education
just announced they will follow the California
State Superintendent’s direction to practice
distance learning through the remainder of the
school year, many students and families are
struggling with access to educational resources
while distance learning.
SCCLD has many online resources for students including homework help, tutoring, test preparation,
research tools, not to mention academic videos, articles, ebooks, and so much more.
The great news is, SCCLD had worked with all of the public K-12 school districts within the Library
District and provided over 90,000 student eAccounts for direct access to our student resources. We are
thankful to partner with our schools to provide this valuable resource to students, especially now when
access to digital educational resources is critical.
Need a Library eCard? We’ve Got You Covered!
They say hindsight is 20/20. In this case, our foresight is even
better! SCCLD had designed a custom platform to allow patrons
to register for a library eCard from our website and receive instant
access to our entire online library if approved. Due to the current
situation with all households mandated to shelter in place, we’ve
temporarily expanded access to all residents living in Santa Clara
County with a valid mailing address.
From the safety of your home, residents can create a library eCard for every member of their household
and receive an instant account. This is just another way SCCLD is providing valuable services to our
communities.
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
Keeping the Little Ones Learning
One of our most beloved programs is the children’s storytime.
Not only are they fun, they are so important for early learning
and literacy development. Our innovative staff have quickly
developed virtual storytimes and made them available every
weekday for families to join in. But we didn’t stop there.
We’ve developed a full, robust list of online storytime resources
for families to enjoy and prominently made these available from
our website. This page includes not only our own virtual
storytimes and podcasts, but we’ve also assembled a list of live
author storytimes and activities, animated books, childrens’
videos, zoo webcams, and much more. Our youngest patrons will happily continue with their early
learning development while parents can be assured that they’re viewing high quality content made
available by our SCCLD librarians.
Need Support? We are Available via Chat 7 days/week
We know that this is a stressful time for everyone. Many of our library
patrons, or those who want to join the library, need to connect with library
staff to help them research information, answer account questions, or
maybe guide them on how to download a book. We’re here to help.
We’ve expanded our chat services to 7 days/week, from 10am to 6pm and
made this available from the bottom of our homepage. Patrons can
contact us via chat, email, and text.
SARATOGA LIBRARY
April 2020
Annapurna Dandu (Community Librarian)
This week is National Library Week. Thank you to our patrons, staff, volunteers and supporters
for all you do to champion public libraries. Watch for special content all week on our social
media about National Library Week.
Virtual Programs
SCCLD has virtual programs to entertain and educate its patrons. We are launching virtual ESL
Conversation Clubs, Book Clubs and STEAM programs.
English Conversation Clubs:
• Tuesdays, 1:00 to 2:00 pm.
• Thursdays, 11:00 am - 12:15 pm.
• Fridays, 2:30 - 3:30 pm.
STEAM Programs:
• Wednesday April 22, 3:00 pm to 3:30 pm – Let’s Study Skulls
• Wednesday April 22, 3:30 pm to 4:00 pm – Let’s Study Sound with Musical Hangars
Free Online Library is Available 24/7
eBooks, Digital Magazines and Newspapers, Streaming Video and Music, Online
Classes and Tutors, and More.
Animated eBooks
Watch some of your favorite classic tales come to life with Kanopy Kids, or let Bookflix match a
video storybook with a related nonfiction eBook, or see your Sesame Street friends in
animated, interactive eBooks.
Comics Plus
Enjoy graphic novels and comics, available 24/7 on web-connected devices. Includes fiction,
nonfiction, indie, Sunday funnies, and manga.
View Our Video Tutorials
Our Online Library 24/7 carries dozens of digital resources that are available to you whenever
you need them.
We also offer video tutorials and how-to-guides to help patrons navigate the sources.
Headspace
SCCLD offers patrons free access to the app, Headspace.
It has more than 1,000 of themed mediation sessions on topics ranging from stress and sleep to
focusing and anxiety. This can help people of all ages, from young children to older adults.
Lean more about this wonderful resource: sccld.org/about-headspace/
FSL President's Report for Library Commission April 2020
1. At our February and March meetings, our Bylaws committee presented possible changes. Our April
22 board meeting will approve the changes and the General Meeting on June 24 will have the final
vote.
Proposal:
There will be a general restructuring for better organization and removal of redundancies.
The Board will consist of Officers (President, Vice President, Secretary, and Treasurer), Directors
(Assistant Treasurer, Membership, Communications, Newsletter, and up to three Directors-At-Large),
plus the Immediate Past President and the Manager of Retail Operations. The Saratoga Librarian
continues to serve as a non-voting, ex-officio Board Member.
All terms are for one year. Officers may serve no more than three consecutive years in the same
office and no more than six years as an Officer. Directors may serve no more than nine consecutive
years.
2. We closed the Book-Go-Round on March 15 due to the coronavirus.
3. We held our March 25 board meeting via Zoom.
4. We held a Website Redesign meeting on April 2 via Zoom. This discussed updating the
fslonline.org web site.
5. We held a successful Friends Sharing Books event, via Zoom, on April 9.
6. We will hold our April 22 board meeting via Zoom.
7. At the April 22 board meeting, the Nominating Committee will present a slate of board members for
the 2020-2021 year This will be voted on at the General Meeting in June.
8. Although we have had no income from the Book-Go-Round and Cafe Bookstore since March 25,
our eBay sales have increased.
9. Due to the lack of library activities and Book-Go-Round specials, we did not publish an April
newsletter. Instead, we sent email to all members for whom we had an email address. This explained
our action and also highlighted a new “Donate” button on the FSL website for those interested in
helping us support the library while our income-raising activities were largely closed. We will send a
similar email in lieu of the May newsletter. We will publish a June newsletter to explain the bylaw
changes, introduce the proposed slate of board members, and remind readers of the June 24 general
meeting.
Respectfully submitted,
Alice Patrick
President, Friends of the Saratoga Libraries
CITY OF SARATOGA
Memorandum
To: Library Commission
From: Crystal Bothelio, Assistant City Manager
Date: April 28, 2020
Subject: Commission Report
City of Saratoga COVID-19 Response
For the first time in many years, the Saratoga City Council proclaimed a local emergency in
recognition that the spread of novel coronavirus (COVID-19) would have significant impacts on
the Saratoga community that would require support from our partners at the County, State, and
Federal government. As the lead agency on the local response to COVID-19, the County of Santa
Clara has proactively worked to slow the spread of COVID-19 to prevent area hospitals from
becoming overwhelmed. This began with incremental measures that culminated in the shelter at
home order currently in place. The City has supported the emergency response effort through our
communications and maintaining the highest level of continuity of operations allowed under the order. Communications has been the primary focus of the City’s emergency response efforts. Creation of the City’s main COVID-19 webpage (www.saratoga.ca.us/COVID19) was among the first steps towards addressing the need for a hub of information for the community, enabling residents to quickly connect with official information from the Santa Clara County Public Health Department, resources and assistance, and City services. The City has conducted outreach almost daily since the shelter at home order to share information from the Public Health Department and to communicate information that is of key importance to the Saratoga Community. The City also mailed a postcard to every address in Saratoga on March 26. Recognizing that the response to
COVID-19 was changing quickly, the postcard was comprised of evergreen content that would be
relevant for an extended period of time and directs residents and businesses where to find more
information.
Along with outreach and communications, the City has been diligent in adapting its operations to
provide essential services while also complying with the orders and evolving guidance of the
County of Santa Clara, California Department of Public Health, and Centers for Disease Control
and Prevention. City facilities have been closed to the public and non-essential staff since the start
of the County’s initial shelter at home order on March 17. Following the March 31 County order,
City park equipment and sport courts/fields were also closed to prevent the spread of germs
through commonly touched surfaces. Open spaces and park restrooms remain open for residents
exercising outdoors.
A handful of essential employees are reporting to City Hall to perform duties that cannot be done
from home. This includes ensuring streets and parks are in order, performing the City’s finance and accounting functions, managing the City’s information technology infrastructure, and maintaining City facilities to the degree required to keep them operational during the shelter at home order. Where possible, employees are working from home on both essential and nonessential services. The Community Development Department is continuing to provide services to the extent allowed under the shelter at home orders. Existing Planning projects that have been submitted will
continue to be reviewed remotely, and applications for new Planning projects are being accepted
electronically. Tree removal permits for dead, hazardous, and dangerous trees are being
processed virtually. Existing Building plans and plan checks that have been submitted will also
continue to be processed electronically. Permits and in-person building inspections for projects
that are permitted under the shelter at home orders may be processed and continue. Critical
building inspections following an emergency (such as a fire) will also continue.
Under the Governor’s Executive Order, the City has also started holding virtual Brown Act
meetings. The City’s virtual meeting practices allow all attendees to engage in the meeting
remotely to comply with the shelter at home order.