HomeMy WebLinkAbout10-12-2021 Library & Community Engagement Commission Agenda PacketSaratoga Library & Community Engagement Commission Agenda
October 12, 2021
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SARATOGA
LIBRARY & COMMUNITY
ENGAGEMENT COMMISSION
REGULAR MEETING
October 12, 2021
5:00 P.M. REGULAR MEETING
Teleconference/Public Participation Information to Mitigate the Spread of COVID‐19
This meeting will be held entirely by teleconference. All members of the Commission and
staff will only participate via the Zoom platform using the process described below. The
meeting is being conducted pursuant to recent amendments to the teleconference rules
required by the Ralph M. Brown Act allowing teleconferencing during a proclaimed state of
emergency when local official have recommended social distancing. The purpose of the
amendments is to provide the safest environment for the public, elected off icials, and staff
while allowing for continued operation of the government and public participation during
the COVID-19 pandemic.
Members of the public can view and participate in the meeting by:
1. Using the Zoom website https://us02web.zoom.us/j/87108249738; Webinar ID
871 0824 9738; OR
2. Calling 1.408.638.0968 or 1.669.900.6833 and entering the Webinar ID provided
above
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.
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
Saratoga Library & Community Engagement Commission Agenda
October 12, 2021
Page 2 of 3
taking action on such items. The Commission may choose to place the topic on a future
agenda.
AGENDA ITEMS
1. Selection of Chair and Vice Chair
Recommended Action:
Select new Chair and Vice Chair to serve October 2021 through September 2022. 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.
2. Library & Community Engagement Commission Minutes
Recommended Action:
Review and approve the minutes from August 9, 2021 Regular Meeting.
Draft Minutes
3. Saratoga Teen Advisory Board Report
Recommended Action:
Receive Saratoga Teen Advisory Board report.
4. Santa Clara County Library District Report
Recommended Action:
Receive Santa Clara County Library District report.
Santa Clara Library District Report
5. Saratoga Community Library Report
Recommended Action:
Receive Saratoga Community Library report.
Saratoga Community Library Report
6. Friends of the Saratoga Libraries Report
Recommended Action:
Receive Friends of the Saratoga Libraries report.
7. Library & Community Engagement Commission Chair Report
Recommended Action:
Receive Library & Community Engagement Commission Chair report.
Saratoga Library & Community Engagement Commission Agenda
October 12, 2021
Page 3 of 3
8. City of Saratoga Report
Recommended Action:
Receive City of Saratoga report.
City of Saratoga Report
9. Community News & Trends
Recommended Action:
Share news and trends within the community.
10. 2022 Work Plan
Recommended Action:
Identify and discuss efforts that could be included in the 2022 Work Plan.
Memo
SUMMARIZE ACTION ITEMS
AGENDA ITEMS FOR NEXT MEETING
Agenda Planner
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 Library & Community Engagement Commission was posted and available for review on October
8, 2021 at the City of Saratoga, 13777 Fruitvale Avenue, Saratoga, California and on the City's website at
www.saratoga.ca.us
Signed this 8th day of October 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
Commission by City staff in connection with this agenda, copies of materials distributed to the Commission
concurrently with the posting of the agenda, and materials distributed to the Commission by staff after the
posting of the agenda are available on the City website at www.saratoga.ca.us and are available for review in the
office of the City Clerk at 13777 Fruitvale Avenue, Saratoga, California.
In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act and the Governor’s Executive Order, if you need assistance
to participate in this meeting, please contact the City Clerk at bavrit@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
August 9, 2021
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MINUTES
SARATOGA LIBRARY COMMISSION
REGULAR MEETING
AUGUST 9, 2021
CALL TO ORDER
Chair Cristina Meiser called the virtual meeting to order at 5:04 p.m.
ROLL CALL
Present: Chair Cristina Meiser, Vice Chair Eric Lewis, Commissioners Robert
Gulino, Steven White, Victoria Zhang
Absent: None
Also Present: Nichole King, David Guidry, Ahana Chakraborty, Ayushi Chakraborty,
Kayla Nakamoto, Crystal Bothelio
ORAL COMMUNICATIONS ON NON-AGENDIZED ITEMS
Barbara Pei introduced herself as a prospective Commission applicant.
AGENDA ITEMS
1. Library & Community Engagement Commission Minutes
Recommended Action:
Review and approve the minutes from June 14, 2021 Regular Meeting.
ZHANG/WHITE MOVED TO APPROVE THE MINUTES FROM JUNE 14, 2021 REGULAR
MEETING. MOTION PASSED. AYES: LEWIS, MEISER, WHITE, ZHANG. NOES: NONE.
ABSTAIN: NONE. ABSENT: GULINO.
2. Saratoga Teen Advisory Board Report
Recommended Action:
Receive Saratoga Teen Advisory Board report.
Ayushi Chakraborty and Ahana Chakraborty provided a report from the Teen
Advisory Board, speaking on upcoming in person events and virtual events that are
expected to continue.
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Saratoga Library & Community Engagement Commission Minutes
August 9, 2021
Page 2 of 4
3. Santa Clara County Library District Report
Recommended Action:
Receive Santa Clara County Library District report.
Written report provided in agenda packet.
4. Saratoga Community Library Report
Recommended Action:
Receive Saratoga Community Library report.
Acting Community Librarian Nichole King reported on a mural in the Library painted
by artist Michelle Liu, summer reading, recent community events that the Library
staff attended, and upcoming events.
5. Friends of the Saratoga Libraries Report
Recommended Action:
Receive Friends of the Saratoga Libraries report.
Friends of the Saratoga Libraries President David Guidry reported on the general
membership meeting, approval of officers, fundraising efforts, options for the
Friends donation to Saratoga Library, operations of the Book-Go-Round, reopening
of the Friends Café in Saratoga Library, participation in the Community Harvest and
Saratoga Movie Night, and goals for the year.
6. Library & Community Engagement Commission Chair Report
Recommended Action:
Receive Library & Community Engagement Commission Chair report.
Chair Cristina Meiser commented on the Sheriff’s Office teen academy and
encouraged Commissioners to subscribe to the City’s newsletter.
7. City of Saratoga Report
Recommended Action:
Receive City of Saratoga report.
Crystal Bothelio, Assistant City Manager, shared updates on face covering
requirements, Commission recruitments, Saratoga Movie Nights, Community
Harvest, and the Safe Routes to School Master Plan.
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Saratoga Library & Community Engagement Commission Minutes
August 9, 2021
Page 3 of 4
8. Community News & Trends
Recommended Action:
Share news and trends within the community.
Commissioner Robert Gulino noted that the Paint the City utility boxes have been
painted.
9. Rescheduling/Canceling the October Meeting
Recommended Action:
Reschedule or cancel the October 2021 meeting.
Crystal Bothelio, Assistant City Manager, asked the Commission to consider
rescheduling or canceling the October 2021 meeting.
The Commission agreed to meet on October 12 at 5:00 p.m. if held virtually or at
7:00 p.m. if held in person.
10. 2022 Work Plan Brainstorming
Recommended Action:
Hold brainstorming discussion on efforts that could be included in the 2022 Work
Plan.
Chair Meiser asked if the Commission would like to consider a special meeting on
the work plan. She also shared her observation that she has noticed a general
increase in the use of surveys and asked the group if they felt there was value in the
Library and Community Engagement Commission conducting a survey.
Acting Community Librarian Nichole King commented on recent surveys performed
by the Library and Library District.
The Commission considered options for surveys, including whether to work through
the City, incorporate a question or two into an upcoming Library or Library District
survey, and whether to focus survey efforts on the Library or Community
Engagement duties of the Commission. The Commission agreed to include a survey
as a brainstorming idea for the work plan.
The Commission agreed to share new ideas with Assistant City Manager Crystal
Bothelio in advance of the meeting or raise them at the next meeting for further
discussion.
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Saratoga Library & Community Engagement Commission Minutes
August 9, 2021
Page 4 of 4
SUMMARIZE ACTION ITEMS
None
AGENDA ITEMS FOR NEXT MEETING
2022 Work Plan Brainstorming
ADJOURNMENT
Chair Cristina Meiser adjourned the meeting at 6:40 p.m.
Minutes respectfully submitted:
Crystal Bothelio, Assistant City Manager
City of Saratoga
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September 2021
Library Stakeholder Report
Jennifer Weeks, County Librarian
ABOS Karen Hake Outstanding Bookmobile Librarian Award
Amytha Willard, Supervising Librarian for Bookmobile
Services, has been named the 2021 ABOS Karen Hake
Outstanding Bookmobile Librarian. She was selected in
recognition of her continuous dedication and
commitment to the bookmobile profession.
This is a new award from the Association of Bookmobile
and Outreach Services, which commemorates the 50th
anniversary of Karen Hake’s service to the bookmobile
profession at the Platte County Library System in
Columbus, Nebraska.
Amytha Willard has spent 16 years working for SCCLD,
all for the Bookmobile program. Today, the Bookmobile
has two vehicles that make over 100 stops a month at senior centers, schools, rural areas, and
unincorporated portions of the County that are far from any library. From the top of Mount Hamilton to
migrant camps in San Martin, and Family Literacy Centers to the Santa Cruz mountains, Willard and
the SCCLD Bookmobile team can be found all across Santa Clara County on a weekly basis,
crisscrossing over 1,000 square miles.
When SCCLD launched the Lunch in the Library program at its two qualifying libraries, Amytha looked
to extend the program to those communities in South County who needed it most by partnering with
Second Harvest Food Bank of Silicon Valley and San Martin Lion’s Club. The team served healthy
lunches to children throughout the summer months and offered fun and educational activities for kids
including STEM projects, crafts and a visit by the San Francisco 49ers mascot.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, Willard and her team developed and implemented BookDash, a
contactless home-delivery solution to meet a need for the growing older adult community and for those
who could not get to a library during the pandemic due to family illness, injury, medical condition, or
disability. The SCCLD Bookmobile team delivers books right to a patron’s front door. BookDash
modernized, optimized and streamlined homebound service from 5 patrons to over 60 patrons with
capacity to expand the program.
The award will be presented at a ceremony on Tuesday, October 12 during an online Association of
Bookmobile and Outreach Services conference.
Congratulations to Amytha and the Bookmobile team for winning this prestigious award!
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
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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
Celebrate National Hispanic Heritage Month
Celebremos El Mes de la Herencia Hispana
National Hispanic Heritage Month originated as National Hispanic Heritage Week in 1968 during the
peak of the civil rights movement. Then in 1989 a presidential proclamation established National
Hispanic Heritage Month as a “31-day period beginning September 15 and ending on October 15" in
which the nation celebrates and honors the culture, achievements and contributions of Hispanics and
Latinos in the United States. The date was chosen because it coincides with the Independence Day
celebrations of five Central American nations-Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Mexico
and Nicaragua.
As of 2020, Hispanic and Latino Americans make up nearly 20% of the US population, and constitute
25% of Santa Clara County’s population, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. Hispanic Americans
have been influential in every part of this nation's history, from the arts to politics to business to
the military.
People of Hispanic and Latinx heritage encompass many different countries and cultures. Santa Clara
County Library District proudly presents a wide array of in person and virtual events, and Spanish and
bilingual books as well as Spanish e-book collection to enrich this month’s celebrations.
We hope you will join us for any of the following events to celebrate National Hispanic Heritage Month.
El Mes Nacional de la Herencia Hispana se originó como la Semana Nacional de la Herencia
Hispana en 1968 durante el apogeo del movimiento por los derechos civiles. Luego, en 1989,
una proclamación presidencial estableció el Mes Nacional de la Herencia Hispana como un "período
de 31 días que comienza el 15 de septiembre y termina el 15 de octubre" en el que la nación celebra y
honra la cultura, los logros y las contribuciones de los hispanos y latinos en los Estados Unidos. La
fecha fue elegida porque coincide con las celebraciones del Día de la Independencia de cinco
naciones centroamericanas: Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, México y Nicaragua.
A partir de 2020, los hispanos y latinos estadounidenses constituyen casi un 20% parte de la población
de los Estados Unidos, y constituyen el 25% de la población del condado de Santa Clara, según la
Oficina del Censo de los Estados Unidos. Los hispanoamericanos han sido influyentes en cada parte
de la historia de esta nación, desde las artes hasta la política, los negocios y el ejército. .
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Celebrate National Hispanic Heritage Month with SCCLD
Tuesday, September 7 at 4 pm
Kid’s Virtual Art Club: Inspired by Amate Paintings
@ SCCLD Facebook
Get inspired by Latin American Folk Art Paintings and
paint intricate birds and colorful plants. This program is
for school age children. This art program will be
available for viewing afterwards on our Facebook page
and our YouTube channel.
Saturday, September 11 at 11 am
Outdoor Bilingual Puppet Show with Magical
Moonshine Theatre at Los Altos Library
Magical Moonshine Theatre presents a bilingual version
of Poppylocks and The Three Little Bears. This special
outdoor puppet show will be presented in English and
Spanish as part of our National Hispanic Heritage Month.
The puppet show will be held outdoors on the soccer
fields behind the Bus Barn Stage Company. Be sure to
bring an outdoor blanket to enjoy the performance!
Saturday, September 18 at 11 am
Ballet Folklórico presented by Los Lupeños de San José
and Grab and Go Crafts at Gilroy Library
Join us for an outdoor celebration for National Hispanic
Heritage Month featuring Lupeños and Los Lupeños
Juvenil in the Paseo behind the library. After the
performance, be sure to pick up a Grab & Go Craft bag!
Saturday, September 25 at 6 pm
Virtual Family Paint Night with Moya Arts via Zoom
MOYA Arts presents Hispanic Heritage Paint Party.
Teacher Nacho Moya shows us how to paint a beautiful
image celebrating National Hispanic Heritage month. No
experience required. Register to participate via Zoom.
Saturday, October 9 at 2 pm
Day of the Dead Paint Party for Adults presented by
Moya Arts at Milpitas Library
(Space is limited. Registration Required.)
Ignacio Moya of Moya Paint Arts demonstrates how to
celebrate Day of the Dead through a hands on art
activity. All supplies will be provided. Registration is
required and space is limited. This program will be held
inside the Auditorium.
Tuesday, October 19 at 1 pm
Virtual Tour of Gilroy Library’s Day of the Dead Ofrenda
@ SCCLD Facebook
Enjoy a mini virtual clip via Facebook of Gilroy Library’s
Day of the Dead Altar and get inspired make your own
at home! This year our altar will be honoring
grandparents around the world.
Saturday October 23 at 3 pm
Virtual Day of the Dead Story and Sugar Skull Craft for
School Age Kids via Zoom (Space is limited. Registration
Required).
Learn about Day of the Dead with a story, learn a how
sugar skulls are made and easy ways to decorate them.
One registration per household.
For more information and registration,
please visit: www.sccld.org/events
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Celebre el Mes Nacional de la Herencia Hispana con SCCLD
Martes 7 de septiembre a las 4 pm
Club Virtual de Arte: Pinturas de Amate @ SCCLD Facebook
Inspírese en las pinturas de arte popular latinoamericano y pinte
intrincadas aves y plantas muy coloridas. Este programa es para
niños en edad escolar. Este programa de arte estará disponible
para su visualización posterior en nuestra página de Facebook y
en nuestro canal de YouTube.
Sábado 11 de septiembre a las 11 am
Espectáculo de títeres bilingües al aire libre con Magical
Moonshine Theatre en la Biblioteca de Los Altos
Teatro Mágico de Moonshine presenta una versión bilingüe de
ricitos de oro y los tres osos. Este espectáculo especial de
marionetas al aire libre se presentará en inglés y español como
parte de nuestra celebración del Mes Nacional de la Herencia
Hispana. El espectáculo de marionetas se llevará a cabo al aire
libre en los campos de fútbol detrás de Bus Barn Stage
Company. ¡Asegúrese de traer una cobija para disfrutar
de la actuación!
Sábado 18 de septiembre a las 11 am
Ballet Folklórico presentado por Los Lupeños de San José y
Manualidades Listas Para Llevar en la Biblioteca de Gilroy
Únase a nosotros para celebrar el Mes Nacional de la Herencia
Hispana con Lupeños y Los Lupeños Juvenil en el Paseo detrás de
la biblioteca. Después de la actuación, asegúrese de recoger una
bolsa de manualidades para llevar.
Sábado 25 de septiembre a las 6 pm
Fiesta de Pintura Virtual con Moya Arts presentado por Zoom
MOYA Arts presenta fiesta para pintar la herencia Hispana. El
maestro Nacho Moya nos muestra cómo pintar una hermosa
imagen celebrando el mes de la Herencia Nacional Hispana. No
se requiere experiencia. Regístrese para participar en Zoom.
Para obtener más información e
inscripción, visite:
www.sccld.org/events
Sábado 9 de octubre a las 2 pm
Fiesta de Pintura “Día de los Muertos”
presentado por Moya Arts en la Biblioteca
Milpitas
(El espacio es limitado. Se requiere inscripción.)
Ignacio Moya de Moya Paint Arts demuestra
cómo celebrar el Día de Muertos a través de
una actividad de pintura. Se proporcionarán
todos los materiales. Se requiere inscripción y
el espacio es limitado. Este programa se
llevará a cabo en el interior del Auditorio.
Regístrese para participar en Zoom.
Martes 19 de octubre a las 1pm
Visita virtual de la ofenda de Día de Muertos
de la Biblioteca de Gilroy @ SCCLD Facebook
Disfrute de un mini video virtual a traves de
Facebook donde podrá mirar la Ofrenda de
Día de Muertos de la Biblioteca de Gilroy y
esperamos que le inspire a crear su propio
altar en casa. Este año honraremos a los
abuelitos del mundo.
Sábado 23 de octubre a las 3pm
Cuento para niños de edad escolar para
celebrar el Día de Muertos y manualidad de
calaveras de azúcar presentado por Zoom (El
espacio es limitado. Se requiere inscripción).
Aprende sobre el Día de los Muertos con una
historia, aprende cómo se hacen las calaveras
de azúcar y formas fáciles de decorarlas. El
programa se presentará a través de Zoom.
Por favor, un registro por hogar.
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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
Homework Help with SCCLD
Local schools are back in session and as many
students struggle after almost a year and a half
of distance and/or hybrid learning, SCCLD is
ready to help our local students be successful
this school year. SCCLD is offering Homework
Help in partnership with Bay Area Tutoring
Association (BATA). The next session will run
from September or October through mid-
December. Virtual homework pods are available
for grades K-6 who are not yet eligible for the
vaccination.
For 7th-12th grades, we will offer in-person homework pods with a maximum of 24 participants. The
homework pods are on-demand to allow students to attend on Monday/Wednesday or
Tuesday/Thursday for up to 90 minutes per session. For some, they may have a quick question and for
others, they may benefit from working with a tutor to review a lesson or assignment in more detail.
Bay Area Tutoring Association academic coach to student ratio is a maximum of 1:8. Peer to peer
instruction and collaboration encourages student engagement and mastery. All participants must live
within the Santa Clara County Library District.
VIRTUAL
Grades K-6th
SEPTEMBER 13—DECEMBER 17
Monday/Wednesday 3:30 pm to 5:00 pm
Tuesday/Thursday 3:30 pm to 5:00 pm
Registration Required:
Eventbrite.com/e/165336210055
IN-PERSON – No Registration Required
Grades 7th-12th: Milpitas Library
SEPTEMBER 20—DECEMBER 17
Monday/Wednesday 3:30 pm to 5:00 pm
Tuesday/Thursday 3:30 pm to 5:00 pm
IN-PERSON- No Registration Required
Grades 7th-12th: Los Altos Library
SEPTEMBER 20—DECEMBER 17
Monday/Wednesday 3:30 pm to 5:00 pm
Tuesday/Thursday 3:30 pm to 5:00 pm
Grades 7th-12th: Gilroy, Morgan Hill, Saratoga
Libraries
LATE SEP/EARLY OCT—DECEMBER 17
Monday/Wednesday 3:30 pm to 5:00 pm
Tuesday/Thursday 3:30 pm to 5:00 pm
SCCLD continues to offer hundreds of additional resources for students of all ages, including adults.
Whether you’re preparing your little ones to start kindergarten, studying to ace that test, learning
another language, getting ready for standardized tests, or looking for a career change, SCCLD has
something for you.
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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
Learn to use your Android or iOS Phone
Technology changes quickly and for some, including
older adults, learning to use your iOS (iPhone) or
Android phone can be challenging. SCCLD is offering
programs to help adults learn to use basic functions on
their cell phones using either iOS or Android operating
systems. Registration is required and these programs
will be in person with a maximum of 15 attendees per
class. A virtual event is still under development.
Gilroy Library:
Sep 30 @ 11:00 am for iOS
Saratoga Library:
Oct 5 @ 10:30 am for iOS
Oct 5 @ 11:45 am for Android
Los Altos Library:
Oct 7 @ 10:00 am for iOS
Oct 7 @ 11:15 am for Android
Discover Santa Clara County History with DigitalReeL
The deep history of Silicon Valley Newspapers can now be accessed from home! Santa Clara County
Library District is excited to introduce our newest resource - DigitalReeL. This is a complete digitization
of microfilmed Santa Clara County newspapers owned by our library district. The microfilm records
have been digitized with enhanced access and searching capabilities. Discover newspaper articles
from Campbell, Gilroy, Morgan Hill, Saratoga and more from as early as 1868.
DigitalReeL provides different access based on copyright within the public domain.
Local Newspapers that can be accessed from home include:
Campbell Press (1895—1896; 1903—1904; 1906—1923)
Gilroy Advocate (1868—1912; 1920—1922)
Morgan Hill Sun (1894—1901)
Morgan Hill Times (1899—1923)
Saratoga Item (1896—1899)
Saratoga Springs Item (1896—1899)
Saratoga Star (1917—1922)
The Sun Times (1901—1906)
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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
Up to ten patrons can access this service concurrently.
You can find this resource within our eMagazines &
Newspaper and in our Genealogy & Local History. If
you are interested in other Archival resources,
our Mercury News Historical Archive has full-text
articles on local news, obituaries, and much more from
1886 - 1922. Our Genealogy & Local History section
includes access to Ancestry, access to Vital Records
and a variety of other helpful archival research
resources.
There is also an extensive collection of more recent
local newspaper articles from DigitalReeL that can be Campbell Press Article from January 25,1961
accessed from the library.
October 13 @ 1pm JPA Finance Committee Meeting
October 28 @ 12pm JPA Board Meeting
Save the date for the next Library Joint Powers Authority Finance
Committee meeting and board meeting. Agenda and meeting
attendance information will be available closer to the meeting date on
the SCCLD website.
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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
October 2021
Library Stakeholder Report
Jennifer Weeks, County Librarian
SCCLD Planned Commitments for FY21/22
SCCLD has continued to innovate, pivot, and remain flexible to provide evolving library services to our
communities as we continue to face the challenges of COVID-19. Circulation is up to 85% of 2019
totals, new services have been launched and evening hours will resume several nights each week
beginning on November 1st. We are honored to serve our communities with excellent library service.
To maintain focus on core initiatives, SCCLD has identified the following key commitments for FY21/22
as we work towards developing our new, long-term strategic plan in FY22/23:
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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
Patron Survey Results
The SCCLD online patron survey helped us to learn
what services and resources were most used by our
patrons during the pandemic, and most desired by our
patrons going forward.
• Survey Timing: May 19-June 30, 2021
• # Participants: 8,575+
• Primarily online and paper surveys available from
all locations, including Bookmobile
Key Takeaways: Resources
• Increase eBook/Audiobook collection (including languages other than English); Will most likely see
an increase in future usage.
• Patrons missed browsing for materials though more will likely continue to place holds online post-
pandemic over pre-pandemic levels; Some people are still hesitant to return in-person so may not
see historic levels of visitation to the library resume until 2022.
• Enjoyed book bundles for kids; Consider book bundles leading up to school breaks (summer,
Thanksgiving, winter, ski week, spring break, etc.).
• Expanded marketing is needed from communications team to grow awareness and use of online
resources (Kanopy and genealogy databases are the most frequently used resources).
Key Takeaways: Services
• Patrons highly value the Library and missed in-person services - especially children’s events.
• Nothing replaces visiting the library, in-person browsing and live events.
• Priority for virtual events is (1) Adult (2) Kids (3) Teens post-pandemic.
• Curbside is a valuable service post-pandemic with a request for evening/weekend hours for working
adults/parents; Available days/times is key to use.
• If BookDash were available in all communities, more would be interested (highly valuable to small
audience).
• More people used phone reference over chat or email; Phone is most critical today, but chat was
higher in post-pandemic requests. Chat/text (current modern tech) over phone/email (old tech) will
be even more important as the population ages.
• Most frequent request was to resume evening and weekend open hours.
• Prefer monthly over weekly newsletter; Consider every other week to provide frequent/advance
notice on relevant events.
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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
Morgan Hill Library Recognized with 2021 Community Impact Award by Local
Organization, Living Above the Influence
SCCLD is pleased to announce the Morgan Hill Library has
been nominated for a 2021 Community Impact Award by
the local organization, Living Above the Influence (LATI).
According to organizers, the Community Impact Awards
honor South Santa Clara County nonprofits, agencies and
individuals who go above and beyond, providing services
to youth, families, and community.
“2020 was a challenging year for us all with the impact of
COVID-19, but the Morgan Hill Library continued to provide support to our community,” LATI founder Dori
Ann Prado and LATI President Brandy Juarez said in a LATI announcement. “During this time,
partnerships and collaboration were vital to meet the needs in our community. LATI recognizes the
dedication, commitment, the ‘going above and beyond’ that the Morgan Hill Library provided during this
time.”
During the shutdown, Morgan Hill Library, along with the other SCCLD libraries, provided contactless
curbside services, which allowed patrons to put items on hold online and later pick them up from the library.
SCCLD also moved all of its programming online so patrons could continue to enjoy their favorite programs
and events from the safety of home. New digital resources were also added to the Online Library to
help patrons with many areas of need including school assignments or finding new jobs, while also
expanding Wi-Fi service at all libraries and the Bookmobiles. Lastly, Morgan Hill and Gilroy libraries both
offered free meals to kids 0-18 years old and their caregivers.
“Over the last 18 months, our world has seen so many changes and I commend our team for proving time
and time again that they can be flexible, adapt and continue to provide excellent library service to all of our
patrons in creative and innovative ways,” said County Librarian Jennifer Weeks. “Even as normal
operations resume, the Library is always looking out for new opportunities to support our communities.”
The Morgan Hill Library recently expanded with a brand new Children’s Activity Room to keep pace with
the needs of the community. The expansion includes a new space for hosting children’s programs while
supporting the educational needs of students.
The library will be given the award at the 15th Annual Living Above the Influence Community Celebration
Event on October 9 from 12:00pm-4:30pm at the Morgan Hill Community Cultural Center.
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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
Be Kind to Yourself in October
In honor of National Depression Education and Awareness
Month in October, SCCLD Teen Services is hosting a virtual
support group just for teens on October 2, 9, 16, and 23.
Learn more and register in this blog.
Each session will be themed, with a specific area of focus
each week. Some topics include anxiety, automatic negative
thoughts, and what happens to our bodies when we feel
stress, depression or worry.
In addition, teens who register will receive a free Wellness Goodie Bag from their library.
Our librarians have created a number of booklists about important teen issues, like bullying, addiction,
self-harm and mental health.
SCCLD also offers a positive way to stay and be well with the mindfulness app, Headspace.
Headspace is meditation made simple - an app designed for busy, modern lives to learn the essentials
of meditation and mindfulness in just a few minutes a day. The app offers hundreds of guided
meditations on a variety of topics - from stress and sleep, to focus and performance. Sign up opens on
the first of every month and is available through the last day of each month while spaces are available.
Treat yourself to some kindness with SCCLD.
October 13 @ 1pm JPA Finance Committee Meeting
October 28 @ 12pm JPA Meeting
Save the date for the next Library Joint Powers Authority Finance
Committee meeting and board meeting. Agenda and meeting
attendance information will be available closer to the meeting date on
the SCCLD website.
17
Saratoga Library Report
October 2021
Nichole King, Community Librarian
Month Number of Borrowers Number of Check-Ins Number of Checkouts
August 8079 50929 51316
September 7742 46645 48124
New Storytime Webpage:
Enjoy our recorded stories, fingerplays and songs by SCCLD children’s librarians whenever works for you! Storytime
videos are available in English, Chinese and Spanish and a variety of Storytime activities are within the Fun Storytime
Snippet Collection. These storytimes have been created for children who are 5 and under.
https://sccld.org/storytime-online/
October/November 2021 Events
Taichi by the Orchard (in person and virtual options)
Fridays from October 1, 2021 – October 29th, 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.
Registration is required.
Teen Mental Health Support Group (virtual program)
Saturday, October 2, 2021 11:00AM – 12:00PM
Teens! Join us and Eramelisse de Castro, a Behavioral Health Educator and Wellness Coach, and explore the topic of
mental health, anxiety, and stress management. This program occurs is part of a series that occurs every Saturday in
October.
iOS Workshop (in person)
Tuesday, October 5, 2021, 10:30AM – 11:30AM
Learn how to better understand your smartphone. This introductory in-person workshop for adults is for iOS devices
(iPhones and iPads). Bring your own devices to attend this class. Sign up is required. Masks required. Meet in the
Community Room. There is a program for Android users on Tuesday, October 5, 11:45AM – 12:45PM.
Medicare Basics (virtual program)
Wednesday, October 6, 2021 2:00PM – 3:00PM
Do you need help walking through the complex Medicare programs to find which one is the most suitable for you? Join
us to learn more about Medicare from health insurance expert, Zahra Rothenberg. This 1-hour presentation explains
eligibility, enrollment periods, and prescription drug coverage and includes a Q&A session.
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Outdoor Halloween Movie Night (in person)
Friday, October 8, 2021 7:00PM – 8:30PM
Join us for a showing of The Nightmare Before Christmas on our large outdoor screen in the library parking lot. Bring
your own blanket, chairs and snacks. Arrive early to claim your space.
College Knowledge 101 Workshop (virtual program)
Friday, October 15, 2021 5:00PM – 7:00PM
Come join The Reading Program to learn how you can help your children prepare for college.
Virtual Trivia Night for Adults (virtual program)
Wednesday, October 20, 2021 6:00PM – 7:00PM
Join us for a fun Halloween-themed virtual trivia night for adults! This is an individual trivia contest, so no teams are
necessary to participate. Just sign yourself up and put your trivia knowledge to the test.
Flex Prep presents: Post-Pandemic Schooling: Reversing Learning Loss (virtual program)
Saturday, October 30, 2021 1:00PM – 2:00PM
Students are not only starting the new school year at a deficit due to summer break, they’re also at a deficit due to
atypical learning during the pandemic. To get back on track with their education, students will need to supplement their
schooling during the 2021-22 academic year.
Farm to Forks: Fall Cooking with Chef Laura Stec (virtual program)
Saturday, November 13, 2021 2:00PM – 3:00PM
Do you want some new recipes for the fall? Do you want to learn how to make healthier, better tasting dishes using
fruits and vegetables in season from the local area? Chef Laura Stec will show us how to make fresh fall foods. She also
will discuss vegetable and meat CSA's, farmers markets, and visiting farms near you.
For details on a specific program or to register for a program (if applicable), please go to www.sccld.org/events
19
20
CITY OF SARATOGA
Memorandum
To: Library & Community Engagement Commission
From: Crystal Bothelio, Assistant City Manager
Date: October 12, 2021
Subject: Commission Report
City of Saratoga Virtual Brown Act Meetings
On October 6, the City Council provided direction that the City’s Brown Act bodies (including
the City Council and Commissions) would continue to hold virtual meetings under recently
adopted changes to State Law that allows cities to continue meeting remotely during
proclaimed states of emergency when the city determines that either (1) state or local public
health officials have required or recommend social distancing or (2) meeting in person would
pose an imminent risk to the health or safety of attendees. As required by State law, the City
Council will evaluate whether to continue holding meetings remotely every 30 days.
State of the City – November 6, 2021
Join Mayor Yan Zhao and the Saratoga City Council at the 2021 State of the City event.
Celebrate Saratoga’s recent accomplishments, learn about the current state of the City, hear
about upcoming projects, and honor those that make Saratoga wonderful. Register for the
event at www.saratoga.ca.us/SOTC
Regional Housing Needs Allocation Appeal Update
The Association of Bay Area Governments (ABAG) Executive Board will hold the appeal
hearing for Saratoga’s draft Regional Housing Needs Allocation (RHNA) on Friday, October
22. Saratoga has requested a 50% reduction in its RHNA from 1,712 to 856 housing units.
The City will have 5 minutes to present its arguments, which are limited to the arguments
presented in the written appeal. The public will also have an opportunity to comment on
arguments presented related to the appeal. Each speaker will ha ve 2 minutes to speak,
unless adjusted by the Chair of the Board. Visit www.saratoga.ca.us/housing to view the City’s
appeal, find schedule details, participation information when it is available from ABAG.
Housing Element Community Meetings
Join the City of Saratoga’s Planning Commission for a series of community meetings where
you can share your input on the Housing Element Update. The Planning Commission is
seeking ideas for possible opportunity sites and housing policies to consider before they
21
make a recommendation to the City Council. Please mark your calendar for the following
meeting dates:
• Wednesday, October 27 at 6 p.m.
• Tuesday, November 9 at 6 p.m.
• Monday, November 22 at 6 p.m.
• Tuesday, December 7 at 6 p.m.
Meeting locations and/or participation details will be finalized closer to the meeting dates to
comply with the latest COVID-19 guidance. For information on how to attend and participate
in meetings, or to submit written comments, visit www.saratoga.ca.us/housing
The Housing Element Update is an ongoing process, and the City continues to receive new
information from the State and regional planning organizations. The most current
information was presented to the City Council and Planning Commission at a virtual Study
Session on August 31. You can watch the Study Session and learn about opportunity sites,
policies, and more.
Saratoga Power Lunch
Join Mayor Yan Zhao for Saratoga Power Lunch on Tuesday, October 14 from 12:00 p.m. to
12:30 p.m. This month, the Mayor will discuss Celebrating Diversity with Pastor Erik Swanson.
Visit www.saratoga.ca.us/lunch to register for upcoming webinars, submit questions, and
watch recordings of previous events.
Evacuation Zone Webinar
Do you know when to evacuate? Do you want real time evacuation updates? The new tool
Zonehaven makes evacuations easy to understand, allowing you to determine evacuation
status for your community, your neighborhood, and even individual addresses. Join Santa
Clara County Fire Department for free #KnowYourZone webinars on the following dates:
• October 21, 2021
• November 2, 2021
• January 11, 2022
• February 3, 2022
• March 9, 2022
Register online to learn about the Zonehaven platform, emergency alerting, safely
evacuating, and standardized evacuation terminology.
Kitchen Pail Delivery
This fall, West Valley Collection & Recycling will deliver kitchen pails to homes and multi-
family complexes. Place items like food scraps, coffee grounds and paper filters, tea bags,
food-soiled paper, and paper towels in kitchen pails during the week, then transfer the
contents to green containers as necessary. For more information, visit the West Valley Solid
Waste Management Authority website and the West Valley Collection & Recycling website.
22
Library & Community Engagement Commission
October 12, 2021
CITY OF SARATOGA
Memorandum
To: Library & Community Engagement Commission
From: Crystal Bothelio, Assistant City Manager
Date: October 12, 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.
The Commission started a discussion of the proposed 2022 work plan during the August
2021 meeting. Ideas shared during the August meeting are included in this memo.
Additionally, staff has provided a few ideas to assist with the brainstorming process. The
Commission is welcome to explore new ideas or variations of those shared here. Staff will
take note of ideas that gain consensus at the October meeting and prepare a draft 2022 work
plan for the Commission to review and provide edits on. The Commission could consider a
draft of the work plan at the December meeting and finalize the proposed work plan in
February 2022.
The 2021 Commission work plan is attached.
Survey
One of the ideas raised during the August 2021 meeting was to conduct a survey. If the
Commission would like to propose including a survey in the 2022 work plan, the Commission
is advised to identify a specific topic it would like to explore. Once authorized by the Council,
the Commission could work with the Public Information Officer to use City communication
tools to announce and collect survey results. Any outreach costs associated with a survey
should be identified in the proposed work plan. For example, a median banner announcing
the survey. Staff would work with the Commission to identify outreach strategies and any
associated costs. Additionally, if the Council authorizes the survey as part of the work plan,
the Commission should plan to present a draft survey to the Council at a City Council Meeting
for consideration before the survey is publicly released.
23
Library & Community Engagement Commission
October 12, 2021
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
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
24
Library & Community Engagement Commission
October 12, 2021
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 understand 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 lecture 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.
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 community
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.
25
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.
26
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.
27
City of Saratoga
Library & Community
Engagement Commission
MEMBERSHIP
NAME TERM END
Cristina Meiser, Chair 9/30/2022
Victoria Zhang 9/30/2023
Eric Lewis, Vice Chair 9/30/2024
Robert Gulino 9/30/2025
Vacant, Monte Sereno Representative 9/30/2025
Others:
Nichole King, Saratoga Library | 408.867.6126 x3800 | nking@sccl.org
David Guidry, Friends of the Saratoga Libraries
Crystal Bothelio, City of Saratoga | 408.868.1269 | cbothelio@saratoga.ca.us
AGENDA PLANNER
The Commission holds regular meetings on the 2nd Monday of even-numbered months at
7:00 p.m. at the Saratoga Library. Regular meetings may be rescheduled or canceled.
Additionally, schedule special meetings may be scheduled 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
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
28
Library & Community Engagement Commission Agenda Planner – October 2021
Page 2
• 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 12, 2021
5:00 p.m. Start
• Community News & Trends
• Minutes
• Selection of Chair and Vice Chair
• 2022 Work Plan
• 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
• Review 2022 Meeting Schedule
• Summarize Action Items
• Library District
• Saratoga Library
• Friends of the Saratoga
Libraries
• Teen Advisory Board
• Commission Chair
• City
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:
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Library & Community Engagement Commission Agenda Planner – October 2021
Page 3
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 commun ity, including providing support in
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.
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Library & Community Engagement Commission Agenda Planner – October 2021
Page 4
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.
31
Library & Community Engagement Commission Agenda Planner – October 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.
32