HomeMy WebLinkAbout08-09-2021 Library & Community Engagement Commission Agenda PacketSaratoga Library & Community Engagement Commission Agenda - Page 1 of 3
SARATOGA
LIBRARY & COMMUNITY
ENGAGEMENT COMMISSION
REGULAR MEETING
August 9, 2021
5:00 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. This meeting can be accessed by:
1. Using the Zoom website https://us02web.zoom.us/j/88313436236 or App (Webinar
ID 883 1343 6236) 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, enter ing the Webinar ID 883 1343 6236,
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.
Saratoga Library & Community Engagement Commission Agenda - Page 2 of 3
ROLL CALL
ORAL COMMUNICATIONS ON NON-AGENDIZED ITEMS
Any member of the public may address the Commission for up to three (3) minutes on
matters not on the Agenda. The law generally prohibits the Commission from discussing or
taking action on such items. The Commission may choose to place the topic on a future
agenda.
AGENDA ITEMS
1. Library & Community Engagement Commission Minutes
Recommended Action:
Review and approve the minutes from June 14, 2021 Regular Meeting.
2. Saratoga Teen Advisory Board Report
Recommended Action:
Receive Saratoga Teen Advisory Board report.
3. Santa Clara County Library District Report
Recommended Action:
Receive Santa Clara County Library District report.
4. Saratoga Community Library Report
Recommended Action:
Receive Saratoga Community Library report.
5. Friends of the Saratoga Libraries Report
Recommended Action:
Receive Friends of the Saratoga Libraries report.
6. Library & Community Engagement Commission Chair Report
Recommended Action:
Receive Library & Community Engagement Commission Chair report.
7. City of Saratoga Report
Recommended Action:
Receive City of Saratoga report.
8. Community News & Trends
Recommended Action:
Share news and trends within the community.
Saratoga Library & Community Engagement Commission Agenda - Page 3 of 3
9. Rescheduling/Canceling the October Meeting
Recommended Action:
Reschedule or cancel the October 2021 meeting.
10. 2022 Work Plan Brainstorming
Recommended Action:
Hold brainstorming discussion on efforts that could be included in the 2022 Work
Plan.
SUMMARIZE ACTION ITEMS
AGENDA ITEMS FOR NEXT MEETING
ADJOURNMENT
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 August 5, 2021 at the City of Saratoga, 13777
Fruitvale Avenue, Saratoga, California and on the City's website at www.saratoga.ca.us.
Signed this 5th day of August 2021 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]
Saratoga Library & Community Engagement Commission Minutes - Page 1 of 4
MINUTES
SARATOGA LIBRARY COMMISSION
REGULAR MEETING
JUNE 14, 2021
CALL TO ORDER
Chair Cristina Meiser called the virtual meeting to order at 5:01p.m.
ROLL CALL
Present: Chair Cristina Meiser, Vice Chair Eric Lewis, Commissioners Robert
Gulino, Steven White, Victoria Zhang
Absent: None
Also Present: Jennifer Weeks, Nichole King, Alice Patrick, Lauren Sutioso, Ahana
Chakraborty, Kayla Nakamoto, Lauren Pettipiece, Crystal Bothelio
ORAL COMMUNICATIONS ON NON-AGENDIZED ITEMS
None
AGENDA ITEMS
1. Library & Community Engagement Commission Minutes
Recommended Action:
Review and approve the minutes from April 12, 2021 Regular Meeting.
GULINO/LEWIS MOVED TO APPROVE THE MINUTES FROM APRIL 12, 2021 REGULAR
MEETING. MOTION PASSED. AYES: GULINO, LEWIS, MEISER, WHITE, ZHANG. NOES:
NONE. ABSTAIN: NONE. ABSENT: NONE.
2. Saratoga Teen Advisory Board Report
Recommended Action:
Receive Saratoga Teen Advisory Board report.
Teen Advisory Co-President Lauren Sutioso shared an update on recent Teen
Advisory Board activities, including College Day, Coffeehouse, Crafternoon, and
selection of the new Co-Presidents.
The Commission thanked Lauren Sutioso and Viraaj Reddi for their service on the
Teen Advisory Board.
New Teen Advisory Co-President Ahana Chakraborty introduced herself.
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Saratoga Library & Community Engagement Commission Minutes - Page 2 of 4
3. Santa Clara County Library District Report
Recommended Action:
Receive Santa Clara County Library District report.
Jennifer Weeks, County Librarian, shared District news, including a new app available
for iOS and Android devices, the Joint Powers Authority budget, and the summer
reading program.
4. Saratoga Community Library Report
Recommended Action:
Receive Saratoga Community Library report.
Nichole King, Acting Community Librarian, shared Saratoga Library updates, including
summer reading and elimination of time limits for patron visits to the Library.
5. Friends of the Saratoga Libraries Report
Recommended Action:
Receive Friends of the Saratoga Libraries report.
Alice Patrick, Friends of the Saratoga Libraries, shared an update from the Friends,
including book sharing sessions, a grant to the Saratoga Library, fundraising efforts,
selection of new officers and directors, and Book-Go-Round signage.
6. Library & Community Engagement Commission Chair Report
Recommended Action:
Receive Library & Community Engagement Commission Chair report.
Chair Cristina Meiser shared that she met with City staff to brainstorm possible
Commission work efforts.
7. City of Saratoga Report
Recommended Action:
Receive City of Saratoga report.
Crystal Bothelio, Assistant City Manager, shared City updates, including Commission
recruitments, formation of a new Public Art Commission, remote public participation
at Commission meetings, Housing Element, Youth in Government, and Saratoga
Power Lunch.
8. Community News & Trends
Recommended Action:
Share news and trends within the community.
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Saratoga Library & Community Engagement Commission Minutes - Page 3 of 4
Commissioner Robert Gulino discussed some of the challenges of social interactions
in virtual platforms, like sidebars and conversations that would occur normally during
in-person get togethers, and shared information about a new platform called Gather
that better replicates the in-person experience.
Chair Cristina Meiser inquired about how Library services changes adopted during
the pandemic and whether online services that existed previously have been adapted
or changed.
Acting Community Librarian Nichole King and County Librarian Jennifer Weeks
described online services offered prior to the pandemic as well as service changes
adopted as a result of the pandemic that may remain in place going forward.
9. Community Harvest
Recommended Action:
Consider whether to participate in the Community Harvest in Saratoga Heritage
Orchard on June 19, 2021 from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
Kayla Nakamoto, Administrative Analyst, shared an overview of the Community
Harvest and invited the Commission to host a resource table.
The Commission discussed hosting a table at the Community Harvest.
10. Saratoga Movie Nights
Recommended Action:
Consider whether to participate in Saratoga Movie Nights in El Quito Park on July 16
and August 20.
Kayla Nakamoto, Administrative Analyst, shared an overview of the Saratoga Movie
Nights and invited the Commission to host a resource table.
Community Librarian Nichole King offered to have a member of Library staff host a
resource table.
11. Supporting City Communications
Recommended Action:
Receive information about City communications and opportunities to support
outreach efforts.
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Saratoga Library & Community Engagement Commission Minutes - Page 4 of 4
Public Information Officer Lauren Pettipiece shared information about City
communications and described how Commissioners could support the City’s
outreach efforts.
Commissioner Robert Gulino suggested that staff share City communication topics
that Commissioners can share within their networks on a 2-to-4-week basis.
SUMMARIZE ACTION ITEMS
None
AGENDA ITEMS FOR NEXT MEETING
Chair Cristine Meiser proposed that the August meeting include discussion about how the
formation of the Public Art Commission could influence the Library & Community
Engagement Commission’s work efforts, possibly considering ways to collaborate or new
work plan items, such as promoting diversity in the community.
The Commission agreed to meet at 5:00 p.m. in August if the meeting occurs virtually.
ADJOURNMENT
Chair Cristina Meiser adjourned the meeting at 6:42 p.m.
Minutes respectfully submitted:
Crystal Bothelio, Assistant City Manager
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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 2021
Library Stakeholder Report
Jennifer Weeks, County Librarian
Welcome Back to Woodland Library!
As of Monday, June 21, 2021, we welcomed patrons
back inside Woodland Library for full browsing, holds
pickup, and public computer and printer use. The
Woodland Library is open Monday through
Saturday from 1 – 6 p.m. (excluding holidays).
Curbside service is not available at this location, but
you can make a curbside appointment with the Los
Altos Library, Cupertino Library, or any other SCCLD
location offering curbside holds pickup.
Thank you for your patience and welcome back to the
Library!
SCCLD Expands Open Hours Starting July 12
With the elimination of the State Blueprint for a Safer Economy, vaccination rates on the rise and the
gradual release of our Disaster Service Workers, SCCLD will once again expand our open hours
starting Monday, July 12 and we are tentatively planning to resume 7 day/week pre-pandemic hours
around mid-September.
As of 7/12 Mon Tue Wed Thur Fri Sat
Campbell
Express 10am-9pm 10am-9pm 10am-9pm 10am-9pm 10am-6pm 10am-6pm
Cupertino 10am-6pm 10am-6pm 10am-6pm 10am-6pm 10am-6pm 10am-6pm
Gilroy 1pm-6pm 1pm-6pm 1pm-6pm 10am-6pm 10am-6pm 10am-6pm
Los Altos 10am-6pm 10am-6pm 10am-6pm 10am-6pm 10am-6pm 10am-6pm
Milpitas 10am-6pm 10am-6pm 10am-6pm 10am-6pm 10am-6pm 10am-6pm
Morgan Hill 1pm-6pm 1pm-6pm 1pm-6pm 10am-6pm 10am-6pm 10am-6pm
Saratoga 10am-6pm 10am-6pm 10am-6pm 10am-6pm 10am-6pm 10am-6pm
Woodland 1pm-6pm 1pm-6pm 1pm-6pm 1pm-6pm 1pm-6pm 1pm-6pm
Per Santa Clara County, all visitors*, regardless of vaccination status, must wear a face covering to enter any
county facility, including County Libraries. *Except under 2 yrs of age, medically unable, or hearing impaired
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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
SCCLD Mobile App is Available for Android and Apple Users!
SCCLD launched an all-new, modern library app, designed to bring you an exceptional personalized
mobile experience.
Features include:
• User friendly navigation
• In-app library card
• Easy library account access (place holds,
renew checked out items, manage your
account)
• Improved relevant, accurate catalog search
experience
• Browse new titles, library events & staff lists
• Access library hours & locations
The SCCLD app is available for free download in the Apple App store and Google Play store. Visit our
website for more information.
Summer Reading Program—Reading Colors Your World
Have you registered yourself and each of your family members for the
annual Summer Reading Program 2021—Reading Colors Your World?
There is still time to participate in this fun and rewarding program!
Reading helps all expand their world through kindness, growth, and
community. Teens are encouraged to share their creativity in the virtual
Teen Art Gallery. Adults will benefit from our Zentangle booklist with
step by step instructions on this art form to help improve your focus,
relax and increase awareness.
Register at sccld.org/summer2021 and log your books through July
30, 2021.
Earn a reward by signing up, reading five books and completing one
activity. Register and track your books with Beanstack online, or
download the free Beanstack App to track your reading on the go. If you
participated last year, signing up is as easy as clicking a button.
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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 is filled with many fun Summer Reading virtual programs for adults, teens and kids! We hope you
will join us. Here is just a sample of the upcoming events:
Date Day Time Program
Every
Fri
3:00-3:15pm Kids: LEGO Club (different theme each week)
7/6 Tue 3:00-3:30pm Families: STEAM: Make a Spectroscope
7/7 Wed 3:00-3:30pm Families: Oceans Rock
7/8 Thur 4:00-5:00pm Teens: Virtual Trivia
7/14 Wed 3:00-3:30pm Families: Magic Workshop
7/17 Sat 11:00am-12:00pm Adults: Watercolor Tips and Techniques Workshop
7/20 Tue 3:00-3:30pm Families: STEAM: Make a Rainbow in a Jar
7/20 Tue 6:30-7:30pm Adults: Obi Kaufmann- Naturalist, writer, illustrator
7/21 Wed 3:00-3:30pm Families: Figmentally- Imagination in Action
722 Thur 4:00-5:00pm Teens: Henna Body Art
7/28 Wed 3:00-3:30pm Families: Jungle James Animal Adventure
Happy Fourth of July!
This year, July 4th falls on Sunday. The library will be closed on Monday, July 5 in observance of
Independence Day. Wishing you a safe and happy Independence Day!
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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
August 2021
Library Stakeholder Report
Jennifer Weeks, County Librarian
New Scholastic Online Resources
As students prepare to start a new school year, SCCLD has added new online resources from a trusted
name, Scholastic. Students can learn about their favorite subjects in a dynamic and interactive way.
We are introducing five new online resources that encourage and support students to learn about
STEM, social studies, animals and more.
Watch and Learn Library for ages 3-8:
The Watch & Learn Library from Scholastic provides 230+
nonfiction videos, vocabulary lists, and quizzes for young
learners in grades PreK-3. The videos use real-world footage to
build science, social studies and social-emotional knowledge.
Closed captioning for each video supports beginning readers. Content available in English and
Spanish.
TrueFlix for ages 8-12:
TrueFlix is an online eBook service for children in grades 3-6 that offers
nonfiction True Books and multimedia content from Scholastic to help
students improve literacy skills, build knowledge of curriculum-based
Science and Social Studies content, and cultivate important academic
skills through the inquiry process. Content includes nonfiction and fiction
eBooks, primary sources, videos, audio clips, images, and related
websites. TrueFlix helps students improve literacy and critical thinking
skills, and build content-area knowledge.
FreedomFlix for ages 10-14:
FreedomFlix is a digital resource that dives deeply into the events,
people and places that have shaped our world. Students from age 10
to 14 can learn more about social studies with this interactive, digital
resource.
ScienceFlix for ages 10-15:
Scholastic ScienceFlix brings science education to students
with hands-on scientific experiments, in-depth STEM (science,
technology, engineering, math) career exploration, and
interactive videos, articles and lesson plans.
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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
Teachables for parents and educators of children ages 4-11:
Great for parents, teachers, and educators, this resource provides
tens of thousands of searchable and printable, ready-to-use
educational materials for ages 4-11 that are standard aligned.
Find lesson plans, skill building packs, leveled mini books,
coloring sheets, graphic organizers, clip art, and more. Use this resource for homeschooling or in the
classroom. Also great for creating storytime activities, or designing lesson plans for English Language
Learners.
New Storytime Online Page
Introducing our brand new Storytime Online site. Find videos of
storytimes, songs, rhymes and more in one convenient place!
The new page includes featured storytimes in English, Chinese
and Spanish, as well as literacy tips and booklists. We’re also
including snippets of songs, rhymes or fingerplays presented by
our librarians in different languages.
You will also find a wide variety of additional animated books, early
learning tips, and our list of children’s events for the family to enjoy.
All of these storytimes and snippets are available at your
convenience here.
If you are a parent or caregiver looking for an app that offers simple,
two minute daily tips to help your little ones with early literacy,
download ReadyRosie.
.
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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
August is Filled with Fun Events for All Ages
As summer winds down, SCCLD has many virtual programs for everyone to enjoy! Here is a sample of
what you can look forward to:
KIDS
Family Online Storytime English: Tuesdays from
11:00am-11:30am
https://www.facebook.com/SCCLD/
Spanish/English: Thursdays
from 11:00am-11:30am
https://www.facebook.com/SCCLD/
Chinese/English: Fridays from
11:00am-11:30am
https://www.facebook.com/SCCLD/
Baby Sign Wednesdays from 11:00am-
11:30am
https://www.facebook.com/SCCLD
KIDS/TEENS
Lunch at the Library Mon/Wed/Fri from 4:00pm-
5:00pm
Gilroy Library and Morgan Hill Library
Free Comic Book Day Saturday, Aug 14 from 10:00am-
2:00pm
Gilroy Library
TEENS/ADULTS
Virtual Yoga Tuesday, Aug 3 from 10:00am-
11:00am
Registration required
Online English Conversation
Clubs
Tuesdays from 1:00pm-2:00pm Registration required
Wednesdays from 6:00pm-
7:15pm
Registration required
Thursdays from 11:00am-
12:15pm
Registration required
Virtual Film Discussion: The Most
Dangerous Man in America
Saturday, Aug 7 from 6:00pm-
7:00pm
Registration required
Virtual Chinese Bookclub Friday, Aug 13 from 10:15am-
12:15pm
Registration required
Trailblazing: Women Innovators
Revolutionizing the Way our Food
is Grown
Saturday, Aug 14 from 1:00pm-
2:00pm
Registration required
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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
Adult Book Discussion: Where the
Crawdads Sing
Thursday, Aug 19 from 7:00pm -
8:30pm
Registration required
Author Talk: Secret San Jose Monday, Aug 23 from 6:30pm-
7:30pm
Registration required
Author Talk: The Untold Story of
the 1887 Burning of San Jose’s
Chinatown
Friday, Aug 27 from 10:00am-
11:00am
Registration required
Get the Mercury News Online through the Library
Did you know, SCCLD now offers full online access to The
Mercury News? You can enjoy free access from inside the
library on library-provided computers, or on your own device
while connected to the Library’s Wi-Fi. In addition, we offer 24-
hour or 72-hour remote access.
For remote “home” access, visit this link and log in with your
library card number and PIN. You will be taken to a Welcome
page where you can choose between two options for remote
access:
Anonymous Access: Works for 24 hours. After that time, you will need to revisit the
Library’s subscription link to gain another 24-hour session.
Authenticated Access: Works for 72 hours. For this option, one must register for an
account using Google, Apple, Facebook or an email address to gain 72 -hour access. At the end
of the 72 hours, revisit the Library’s subscription link to gain another 72 -hour session.
The Mercury News is the largest local newspaper for Santa Clara County and readers will be
able to enjoy full access to local, national, and world news written by both The Mercury
News staff as well as freelance, and Associated Press staff. Other sections included are sports,
business, technology, entertainment, opinion pieces, puzzles and games, obituaries, and much
more.
If you are interested in articles from The Mercury News from before 2006, we offer two
additional, separate online services through a different provider, Newsbank. Use your library
card number and PIN to enjoy unlimited access.
The San Jose Mercury News (1886-1922)
The Mercury News (1985 – Recent)
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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
Local Teen Artist Brightens Up the Saratoga Teen Room
Santa Clara County is brimming with talent. The Saratoga Library has a brand new wall mural on the
windows in the Teen Room, courtesy of a local teen artist, Michelle Liu. Michelle’s art will bring joy to the
many library patrons who visit the Saratoga Library!
“Well! I’ve often seen a cat without a grin,” thought Alice; “but a grin without a cat! It’s the most
curious thing I ever saw in all my life!” —Chapter 6, Pig and Pepper, Alice’s Adventures in
Wonderland by Lewis Carroll
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Saratoga Library Report
August 2021
Nichole King, Acting Community Librarian
Month Number of Borrowers Number of Check-Ins Number of Checkouts
June 7624 45280 51562
July 8535 50374 54788
New Mural in the Teen Area
Michelle Liu has created a fabulous and whimsical window mural Discovering Wonder in the teen seating area. Over the
span of 6 days Michelle painted the windows in the teen area. She drew inspiration from Alice in Wonderland to create a
whimsical design. Michelle is a 17-year old artist from Saratoga, CA. Her work reflects on the loss of cultural identity,
with an emphasis on the use of color to convey emotion. She enjoys literature by authors such as Haruki Murakami and
Alan Watts, and she is a fan of 100% dark unsweetened chocolate.
A time-lapse video of the project can be found on our YouTube page here:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hy9at0iZduY
Summer Reading Program 2021 Wrap Up
SCCLD’s Summer Reading Program Reading Colors Your World encourages readers of all ages to expand their world
through kindness, growth and community. Be creative, try new things, explore art, and find beauty in diversity. Join us
for an exciting array of online programs for children, teens, and adults. Read a book and color your world this summer
with SCCLD! Registration was completed on July 31st. In Saratoga we had a total of 805 registrants with 94 teens, 462
kids and 248 adults. All together they read and logged over 5200 books! Currently finishers can come to the library to
receive their completion prizes until the end of the month.
Outreach Events:
The library had a table at the Community Harvest Event, as well as family movie night in Quito Park.
August/September 2021 Events
Note: All of the programs are virtual and will be accessible via Facebook and/or Zoom.
For details on a specific program or to register for a program (if applicable), please go to www.sccld.org/events
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Virtual Adult Events:
Trailblazing: Women Innovators Revolutionizing How our Food is Grown
Saturday, August 14, 2021 1:00PM – 2:00PM
The Untold Story of the 1887 Burning of San Jose’s Chinatown
Friday, August 27, 2021 10:00AM – 11:00AM
Virtual Yoga for Adults
Online ESL Conversation Club
Adult Book Discussion
Adult Film Discussion
In Person Programming:
Taichi by the Orchard @ Saratoga Library
Friday, September 10, 2021 10:00AM – 11:00AM
Martial Artist Yang Li will teach the basic postures, breathing techniques and forms of taichi in a series of eight classes.
They will be held on Friday mornings starting September 10, 2021. The last class will be Friday, October 29, 2021. No
previous taichi or martial arts experience is necessary. Registration for each session is required. Please register with your
email address.
Meeting Location: Saratoga Library's Community Room patio near the Orchard.
If you cannot come to the in-person class or if the class is full, you can take the class virtually. Registration for virtual
taichi is required: RSVP for virtual taichi
Teen Events:
We will begin a new TAB year with our August meeting on 8/24.
Our new TAB co-presidents are
Ahana Chakraborty
Ayushi Chakraborty
The TAB is already talking about programming. There are currently 13 teens on the TAB.
4 week mental health workshop mid-September/October
Kids Events:
Baby Sign Language with Stefani
Online Storytime (M-F, including Mandarin and Spanish)
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FSL President's Report for Library Commission August 2021
- At our annual General Meeting on 6/23, the general membership approved the slate of officers for
the fiscal year 2021-2022. We have several new members, including a Community Events Chair
which was unfilled last year.
- Overall we did very well in fundraising the past fiscal year, due to higher donations by our members
and good sales at the Book-Go-Round. Since the library wasn’t able to spend much of last year’s
donation, we ended up with a nice surplus that we are considering how to best use to support the
library and our community.
- Sales continue to be brisk at the store, though we can’t keep up with the book donations that are
flooding our store and sorting room. Our Café is open again and we held a big reopening sale of
hardback fiction for the first couple of weeks. We have also been able to participate in recent
community events, having a table at the Harvest Festival and the August Movie Night.
- We will have our first board meeting for this fiscal year on August 25 th, at which time we will review
goals for the year and get to know our new directors. Our focus for the coming year will be on
member outreach, continuing to promote the Book-Go-Round, and volunteer management.
Respectfully submitted,
David Guidry
==
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CITY OF SARATOGA
Memorandum
To: Library & Community Engagement Commission
From: Crystal Bothelio, Assistant City Manager
Date: August 9, 2021
Subject: Commission Report
Indoor Face Covering Requirement
Vaccination continues to protect against severe COVID-19 illness, but with the COVID-19
Delta variant now infecting a small percentage of vaccinated people as well as many
unvaccinated people, eight Bay Area health officers have issued Health Orders requiring
masks indoors in public places. The Orders require all individuals, regardless of vaccination
status, to wear a well-fitting mask when indoors in public settings, with limited exceptions.
The latest information about vaccines and appointments is available at sccfreevax.org.
City Commission Recruitments
The City is currently accepting applications for several City Commissions, including the
Library and Community Engagement Commission, Parks and Recreation Commission, Public
Art Commission, Traffic Safety Commission, and Heritage Preservation Commission. The
terms of Library & Community Engagement Commissioners Steven White and Robert Gulino
expire at the end of September 2021. Both are eligible to apply. Applications are due August
18. Additional information is available on the City website at www.saratoga.ca.us/comvac
Summer Movie Nights
Summer movie nights are back! Join the City for next movie night on August 20 at El Quito
Park featuring The Wizard of Oz. Movies begin at sundown, but come early to snag a good
spot and enjoy the resource tables! You can also view photos of the July movie night on the
City’s Facebook at www.facebook.com/CityofSaratoga
Reducing Wildfire Risks in the Home Ignition Zone
Breakthrough research has shown that the majority of homes destroyed by wildfire are first
ignited by embers and small flames. Register today for a free Santa Clara County Fire
Department online workshop on August 11 at 6:30 p.m. or on August 31 at 6:30 p.m. to learn
about hardening your home and reducing wildfire risks within the 5 -foot buffer around your
home.
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Regional Housing Needs Allocation Appeal
Earlier this month, the City Council appealed its Regional Housing Needs Allocation (RHNA) of
more than 1,700 new homes to be built in Saratoga between 2023 and 2031. ABAG received
28 appeals from Bay Area jurisdictions, which included 6 appeals from Santa Clara County.
The community can submit comments on appeals to RHNA@bayareametro.gov until August
30.
Community Harvest Recap
Between the Community Harvest Day on June 19th and the additional weekday harvests, staff
estimates about 3,000 people had an opportunity to learn how to pick apricots safely and
responsibly in the Heritage Orchard and an estimated 18,000 lbs. of apricots were harvested.
Additionally, Village Harvest organized four volunteer harvests during the picking window
and collected a total of 2,400 lbs. of apricots that were donated to local food banks. The City
received countless positive comments about the oppor tunity to participate in the apricot
harvest. View photos of the June 19 harvest on the City’s Facebook at
www.facebook.com/CityofSaratoga
Share Concerns About Traveling to School
We need students, parents, and community members to submit concerns about walking,
biking, or driving to school in Saratoga at www.saratoga.ca.us/SRTScomments. This feedback
will help the City develop its Safe Routes to School Master Plan, which will identify
improvements that could be made around schools to increase safety and encourage walking
and biking. For more information about Safe Routes to School, visit
www.saratoga.ca.us/SRTS
Remote Public Participation at Commission Meetings
In March 2020, the Governor signed an executive order suspending certain teleconference
rules associated with the Brown Act to allow local governments to continue their business
while also reducing the spread of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19). As a result, Saratoga City
Council Members, Commissioners, staff, and the public were able to participate in meetings
through a virtual meeting platform. The order is expected to stay in place through September
2021.
The City has received several requests from community members to continue providing an
option for the public to participate in meetings through a tool like Zoom. Consequently, the
City Council adopted a new remote public participation policy for City Council, Council
Committee, and Commission meetings. Once the Governor’s executive order suspending
Brown Act teleconferencing rules expires, Library & Community Engagement Commission
meetings will resume in-person at Saratoga City Hall to provide the public with the
opportunity to remotely participate in Commission meetings.
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CITY OF SARATOGA
Memorandum
To: Library & Community Engagement Commission
From: Crystal Bothelio, Assistant City Manager
Date: August 9, 2021
Subject: Rescheduling/Canceling the October Meeting
The Library & Community Engagement Commission’s regular meeting date in October is
October 11, which conflicts with a City holiday. Consequently, staff is requesting that the
Commission either reschedule or cancel the October meeting. Alternative date options are
listed below:
• Tuesday, October 12
• Monday, October 25
• Thursday, October 28
• Monday, November 1
• Tuesday, November 2
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CITY OF SARATOGA
Memorandum
To: Library & Community Engagement Commission
From: Crystal Bothelio, Assistant City Manager
Date: August 9, 2021
Subject: 2022 Work Plan
Every year, the City Council considers and authorizes Commission work plans. Commission
work plans are usually presented to the City Council for consideration at the beginning of
the calendar year, around February or March.
With the Commission’s expanded role, this item has been added to the agenda to provide
the Commission with the chance to begin brainstorming proposed work efforts for 2022. A
few ideas have been provided in this memo to help the Commission brainstorm ideas. The
Commission is welcome to explore new ideas or variations of those shared here. Staff will
take note of ideas that gain consensus and prepare a draft 2022 work plan for the
Commission to review and provide edits on at the October or December meeting and then
finalize in December or February.
The 2021 Commission work plan is attached.
Public Art Collaboration
Since the Commission’s role was expanded to include community engagement, the Library
& Community Engagement Commission has supported public art efforts, including Rainy Day
Sidewalk Poetry and Paint the City. In June 2021, the City Council formed a new Public Art
Commission. The City is currently recruiting members and the Commission is expected to
hold its first meeting in November 2021. If the Library & Community Engagement
Commission wishes to continue collaborating on Rainy Day Sidewalk Poetry and Paint the
City then the Commission could propose this as part of the 2022 work plan.
Community Event Grant Program
The 2021 Work Plan includes providing recommendations to the Council on Community
Event Grant Program allocations. This program includes fixed allocation of funds to
traditional community events, such as the Blossom Festival of July 4 Celebration, as well as
competitive funds that other event organizers can apply for. The competitive portion of the
program was suspended in 2021 due to COVID-19. As part of the 2022 work plan, the
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Commission could review competitive applications and make funding recommendations to
the City Council for decision as was originally intended as part of the 2021 work plan.
Celebration of Saratoga’s Diversity
The 2021 work plan includes identifying and recommending strategies to help foster a
stronger, more inclusive community. The Commission could work towards this goal by
proposing that the 2022 work plan include review current efforts, provide recommendations
to City Council for consideration, and participate in implementation of recommendations
authorized by the City Council.
Engaging Residents with Disabilities
Another way to identify and recommend strategies to help foster a stronger, more inclusive
community is to consider ways to strengthen efforts to engage community members with
disabilities. The Commission could propose that the 2022 work plan include review current
efforts, provide recommendations to City Council for consideration, and participate in
implementation of recommendations authorized by the City Council.
Workshops/Programs on Topics of Community Interest
The 2021 work plan includes efforts to support collaborative programs or activities between
local organizations and/or the City to help foster a stronger, more inclusive community as
well as advising the City Council on matters of interest to the Saratoga community. One way
that the Commission could achieve this is through quarterly educational workshops or
programming on topics that are of community interest that could be organized by the City
and/or in partnership with the Saratoga Library (depending on Library interest). The
Commission could propose that the 2022 work plan include implementation of a quarterly
educational workshop/program.
Increasing Support for Parents and Youth
Another way that the Commission could collaborate with other local organizations and also
advise the City Council on matters of interest to the Saratoga community is to propose that
the 2022 work plan include a collaboration with the Youth Commission as well as local
schools, Saratoga Library, and the Teen Advisory Board (depending on school and Library
interest) on a program to help parents and their children learn about available resources,
cope with stress, foster more positive relationships, better understan d each other, and
communicate more effectively.
Multi-Commission Community Activities/Events
The Commission could also collaborate with other local organizations by working with
several other City Commissions to host an activity or event. For example, the Commission
could include a proposal in the 2021 work plan to work with the Heritage Preservation
Commission, Parks and Recreation Commission, and Public Art Commission to host an event
in a City park that includes multiple stations, such as a short lectu re on the history of the
park, an outdoor reading lounge, park fitness challenge, and community chalk project, that
would help the community explore ways to enjoy the outdoors.
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Good Neighbor Day
The Commission could propose activities and efforts related to Good Neighbor Day in the
2022 work plan. Good Neighbor Day was first recognized in 1978 and is celebrated on
September 26. The intent of recognizing Good Neighbor Day is to encourage communit y
members to connect, proactively invite their neighbors to get together, and look out for each
other. As part of the 2022 work plan, the Commission could propose that the City Council
recognize Good Neighbor Day with a proclamation and authorize the Commission to
organize a neighborhood-building effort, such as a community service project, or to work
with the Public Information Officer to encourage residents to be neighborly.
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2021 LIBRARY & COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT COMMISSION WORK PLAN
Approved March 30, 2021
KEY POINTS OF WORK PLAN
1. Support and promote Library events and programs; engage in information sharing with
and between the Library and the public.
2. Identify and recommend strategies to help foster a strong, more inclusive community,
including the following activities:
a) Partner with local organizations, schools, and colleges.
b) Increase public engagement in City government.
c) Assess community concerns as directed by the City Council.
d) Support Library and City engagement programs.
TOPICS IN DETAIL
1. Support and promote Library events and programs; engage in information sharing with
and between the Library and the public.
a) Attend Library events as Commissioners and/or participants (e.g. Silicon Valley
Reads programs, trivia events, etc.).
b) Volunteer to assist Library staff with events and outreach programs (for example,
Junior Achievement, Saturday Farmers Market, Movie Nights, Blossom Festival).
c) Invite the City Council to attend and share information with the City Council about
Library and Commission programs, events, and activities.
d) Spread awareness of Library events and offerings and encourage attendance via
Commissioner personal networks (for example, post in Nextdoor Saratoga, post
on Facebook page, inform Book Clubs, etc.).
e) Brainstorm with Santa Clara County Library District and City communications staff
on ways to promote Library events and programs, for example Saratoga Source
(City e-newsletter), Saratoga News, and social media.
f) Provide recommendations to Library staff at Commission meetings. This would
include current trends in the community, ideas for programs that our community
may be interested in (e.g. 3D printing), and upcoming community events where
outreach might occur.
g) Attend the Santa Clara County Library District’s Annual Library Forum.
h) Interact with other County Library Commissions and JPA, when appropriate.
i) Work with Friends of the Saratoga Libraries to promote and cross-promote events
and activities.
j) Encourage residents of both Saratoga and Monte Sereno to obtain library cards,
participate in Library programs and services, and visit the Library.
24
2. Identify and recommend strategies to help foster a stronger, more inclusive community.
a) Increase understanding of Commission’s contributions to community engagement
efforts of the City.
b) Support collaborative programs or activities between local organizations and the
Library and/or the City.
c) Advise the City Council on matters of interest to the Saratoga community, as directed
by the City Council.
d) Support and provide recommendations to the City Council on City engagement
programs and policies, including Community Event Grant Program allocations.
e) Respond to requests to support public art programs, including Paint the City and
Rainy Day Sidewalk Poetry, as requested by the City’s Public Art Committee.
f) Recommend additional programs and policies that will help create a stronger, more
inclusive community.
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City of Saratoga
Library & Community
Engagement Commission
MEMBERSHIP
Name Term End
Robert Gulino 9/30/2021
Steven White, Monte Sereno Representative 9/30/2021
Cristina Meiser, Chair 9/30/2022
Victoria Zhang 9/30/2023
Eric Lewis, Vice Chair 9/30/2024
Others:
Annapurna Dandu, Saratoga Library | ADandu@sccl.org
Nichole King, Saratoga Library | nking@sccl.org
David Guidry, Friends of the Saratoga Libraries
Crystal Bothelio, City of Saratoga | 408.868.1269 | cbothelio@saratoga.ca.us
RESPONSIBILITIES, DUTIES, & RELATIONSHIPS – RESOLUTION 20-055
RESPONSIBILITIES
The Library & Community Engagement Commission shall serve as an 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 and the Santa Clara County Library. 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 policies and activities.
2. Provide counsel and recommendations to the Saratoga City Council on increasing
public engagement in City government, supporting cultural and artistic programs in
the community, and fostering a stronger, more inclusive community.
3. As directed by the City Council, evaluate and assess community concerns, support
City engagement programs, and perform such other activities as may be directed by
the Saratoga City Council.
DUTIES
In carrying out its basic responsibilities, the Library & Community Engagement 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.
3. Serve in an advisory capacity on major engagement initiatives or policies to help
create a more inclusive and engaged community, including providing support in
26
Library & Community Engagement Commission Agenda Planner – August 2021
Page 2
identifying and connecting with different groups in the community (such as other
governmental, educational, and non-profit organizations).
4. Maintain within the Commission a continuity of knowledge of Library operations and
City community engagement policies and strategies.
5. Keep generally informed on technical developments that could have a bearing on the
Library's policies or strategies.
6. Provide support and/or advice on events related to the Library and City.
7. Work with and engage "Friends of the Saratoga Libraries", the Saratoga Teen Advisory
Board, and other support groups as may be desirable concerning the Library.
RELATIONSHIPS
1. The Library & Community Engagement 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 & Community Engagement Commission on administrative matters.
2. The Library & Community Engagement Commission shall have no administrative
authority over Library or City operations, activities, or staff.
3. The Library Commission & Community Engagement shall have authority to call
meetings, conduct hearings, perform analysis, and make contacts with various
interested parties in carrying out its basic responsibilities.
AGENDA PLANNER
The Commission holds regular meetings on the 2nd Monday 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 8, 2021 • Community News & Trends
• Minutes
• Paint the City Top 3 Design
Selections
• Summarize Action Items
• Library District
• Saratoga Library
• Friends of the Saratoga
Libraries
• Teen Advisory Board
• Commission Chair
• City
March 30, 2021 Commission Work Plan Study Session
• 6:45 p.m. Library & Community Engagement Commission Work Plan
April 12, 2021 • Community News & Trends
• Minutes
• Housing Element Update
Informational Presentation
• Summarize Action Items
• Library District
• Saratoga Library
• Friends of the Saratoga
Libraries
• Teen Advisory Board
• Commission Chair
• City
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Library & Community Engagement Commission Agenda Planner – August 2021
Page 3
June 14, 2021
5:00 p.m. Start
• Community News & Trends
• Minutes
• Community Harvest
• Saratoga Movie Nights
• Supporting City Communications
• Summarize Action Items
• Library District
• Saratoga Library
• Friends of the Saratoga
Libraries
• Teen Advisory Board
• Commission Chair
• City
August 9, 2021
5:00 p.m. Start
• Community News & Trends
• Minutes
• Reschedule/Cancel October
Meeting
• 2022 Work Plan Brainstorming
• Summarize Action Items
• Library District
• Saratoga Library
• Friends of the Saratoga
Libraries
• Teen Advisory Board
• Commission Chair
• City
October 11, 2021* • Community News & Trends
• Minutes
• Selection of Chair and Vice Chair
• 2022 Work Plan Review
• Summarize Action Items
• Library District
• Saratoga Library
• Friends of the Saratoga
Libraries
• Teen Advisory Board
• Commission Chair
• City
December 13, 2021 • Community News & Trends
• Minutes
• 2022 Work Plan Finalization
• Review 2022 Meeting Schedule
• Summarize Action Items
• Library District
• Saratoga Library
• Friends of the Saratoga
Libraries
• Teen Advisory Board
• Commission Chair
• City
* Meeting occurs on holiday. Meeting to be rescheduled or canceled.
28
Library & Community Engagement Commission Agenda Planner – August 2021
Page 4
2021 LIBRARY & COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT COMMISSION WORK PLAN
Approved March 30, 2021
KEY POINTS OF WORK PLAN
1. Support and promote Library events and programs; engage in information sharing with
and between the Library and the public.
2. Identify and recommend strategies to help foster a strong, more inclusive community,
including the following activities:
a) Partner with local organizations, schools, and colleges.
b) Increase public engagement in City government.
c) Assess community concerns as directed by the City Council.
d) Support Library and City engagement programs.
TOPICS IN DETAIL
1. Support and promote Library events and programs; engage in information sharing with
and between the Library and the public.
a) Attend Library events as Commissioners and/or participants (e.g. Silicon Valley
Reads programs, trivia events, etc.).
b) Volunteer to assist Library staff with events and outreach programs (for example,
Junior Achievement, Saturday Farmers Market, Movie Nights, Blossom Festival).
c) Invite the City Council to attend and share information with the City Council about
Library and Commission programs, events, and activities.
d) Spread awareness of Library events and offerings and encourage attendance via
Commissioner personal networks (for example, post in Nextdoor Saratoga, post
on Facebook page, inform Book Clubs, etc.).
e) Brainstorm with Santa Clara County Library District and City communications staff
on ways to promote Library events and programs, for example Saratoga Source
(City e-newsletter), Saratoga News, and social media.
f) Provide recommendations to Library staff at Commission meetings. This would
include current trends in the community, ideas for programs that our community
may be interested in (e.g. 3D printing), and upcoming community events where
outreach might occur.
g) Attend the Santa Clara County Library District’s Annual Library Forum.
h) Interact with other County Library Commissions and JPA, when appropriate.
i) Work with Friends of the Saratoga Libraries to promote and cross-promote events
and activities.
j) Encourage residents of both Saratoga and Monte Sereno to obtain library cards,
participate in Library programs and services, and visit the Library.
29
Library & Community Engagement Commission Agenda Planner – August 2021
Page 5
2. Identify and recommend strategies to help foster a stronger, more inclusive community.
a) Increase understanding of Commission’s contributions to community engagement
efforts of the City.
b) Support collaborative programs or activities between local organizations and the
Library and/or the City.
c) Advise the City Council on matters of interest to the Saratoga community, as directed
by the City Council.
d) Support and provide recommendations to the City Council on City engagement
programs and policies, including Community Event Grant Program allocations.
e) Respond to requests to support public art programs, including Paint the City and
Rainy Day Sidewalk Poetry, as requested by the City’s Public Art Committee.
f) Recommend additional programs and policies that will help create a stronger, more
inclusive community.
30