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HomeMy WebLinkAbout04-11-2022 Library & Community Engagement Commission Agenda PacketSaratoga Library & Community Engagement Commission Agenda | April 11, 2022 Page 1 of 3 SARATOGA LIBRARY & COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT COMMISSION REGULAR MEETING April 11, 2022 7:00 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 with the following access information: • Webinar URL: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/84060107205 • Webinar ID: 840 6010 7205 • Call In: 1.408.638.0968 or 1.669.900.6833 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. Public Comment Members of the public may comment on any item for up to three (3) minutes. The amount of time for public comment may be reduced by the Chair or by action of the Commission. Saratoga Library & Community Engagement Commission Agenda | April 11, 2022 Page 2 of 3 ROLL CALL ORAL COMMUNICATIONS ON NON-AGENDIZED ITEMS Any member of the public may address the Commission 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. Saratoga Teen Advisory Board Report Recommended Action: Receive Saratoga Teen Advisory Board report. 2. Allocation of Community Event Grant Program FY 2022/23 Funds Recommended Action: Review the competitive Community Event Grant Program applications for Fiscal Year 2022/23 and provide a recommendation including recipients and funding allocations for City Council consideration. Memo Attachment A - Summary of Community Event Grant Competitive Applications Attachment B – Community Event Grant Program Policy 3. Library & Community Engagement Commission Minutes Recommended Action: Review and approve the minutes from the February 7, 2022 Regular Meeting and March 15, 2022 Special Meeting. February 7, 2022 Regular Meeting Minutes March 15, 2022 Special Meeting Minutes 4. Santa Clara County Library District Report Recommended Action: Receive Santa Clara County Library District report. Santa Clara County 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. Friends of the Saratoga Libraries Report Saratoga Library & Community Engagement Commission Agenda | April 11, 2022 Page 3 of 3 7. Library & Community Engagement Commission Chair Report Recommended Action: Receive Library & Community Engagement Commission Chair report. 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. SUMMARIZE ACTION ITEMS AGENDA ITEMS FOR NEXT MEETING – JUNE 13, 2022 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 April 5, 2022 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 April 2022 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] CITY OF SARATOGA Memorandum To:Library & Community Engagement Commission From:Kayla Nakamoto, Administrative Analyst Date:April 11, 2022 Subject:Allocation of Community Event Grant Program FY 2022/23 Funds Recommended Action: Review the competitive Community Event Grant Program applications for Fiscal Year 2022/23 and provide a recommendation including recipients and funding allocations for City Council consideration. Background: Since Fiscal Year (FY) 2013/14, the City Council has considered community event grant funding requests through a formal application process to assist local, volunteer led events that help build a sense of community in Saratoga. The City Council directed the Library and Community Engagement Commission to review competitive applications that meet minimum criteria and provide a funding recommendation for City Council consideration. At the February 2, 2022 City Council meeting, $10,000 was allocated for the FY 2022/23 competitive Community Event Grant Program. The Library & Community Engagement Commission will review applications that the City received that have met the minimum criteria to be considered for event grant funding. The City received 6 qualified applications amounting to $10,000 in total competitive Community Event Grant Program funding requests. Attachment A includes a summary of the applications received. Although it is not a program requirement to be considered for grant funds, applicants were invited and encouraged to attend the Library & Community Engagement Commission Meeting on April 11, 2022 to give a brief introduction and be available to answer any questions regarding their application. Events must meet the following criteria to be considered for event grant funding: 3 1) Event must be volunteer led, held in Saratoga. 2) Event must be free and open to the public. 3) Event should concentrate on Saratoga’s character, diversity, or history. 4) Event should celebrate the community as a whole and should not be limited to a small group, such as reunions. 5) Event organizer must provide insurance coverage for the event. The maximum funding level per event is $2,000. Attachments: Attachment A – Summary of Competitive Community Event Grant Applications Attachment B – Community Event Grant Program Policy 4 Attachment A – Summary of FY 2022/23 Community Event Grant Competitive Applications Competitive Applications: $10,000 Allocated Community Event Request Event Date Estimated Attendance Location Organization Annual Easter Egg Hunt $1,500 April 8, 2023 150 Wildwood Park Saratoga IOOF Lodge 428 Community Art Exhibition of Winning Artworks of a children art contest themed as 'Peace Love Unity’ $2,000 July 2022 6,000 Saratoga Library Omniware Networks Community Mitzvah Day - Day of Social Action $2,000 Tent: Feb 5, 2023 200 Congregation Beth David Congregation Beth David Dragon Boat Festival $2,000 June 17, 2023 80 Wildwood Park AABC (Asian American for Better Community) MLK Jr. Day Celebration $2,000 January 16, 2023 75 City Hall N/A Saratoga Blossom Festival 2023 (Girl Scouts #618 Craft) $500 TBD, usually in April 1,000 Saratoga Heritage Orchard Girl Scouts Service Unit 618 (Saratoga) Total $10,000 5 PROGRAM POLICY PROGRAM POLICY TITLE: Community Event Grant Program Policy CITY COUNCIL APPROVAL: July 1, 2020 via Resolution No. 20-047 I. PURPOSE This policy outlines the criteria Council applies to determine secured and unsecured funding allocations for the Community Event Grant Program. The objective is to provide guidelines to administer a program that is in-line with Council direction and is helpful to event organizers wishing to request community grant funding. This policy is effective with the Community Event Grant process beginning in December 2019. II. ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA The criteria for receiving Community Event Grant funding is listed below: a. Event is a volunteer-led event held in Saratoga. b. Event is free and open to everyone. c. The event concentrates on Saratoga’s character, diversity or history. d. The event celebrates the community as a whole and is not limited to a small group such as reunions. III. PROGRAM REQUIREMENTS The Community Event Program requirements are listed below: a. Community Event funding applications are to include an itemized list of expenses identifying specific expenses desired for grant funding. The application must be completed, signed, and submitted during the annual application process. Off-cycle requests are not allowed. b. Event organizers are to obtain a minimum of $1 million liability insurance coverage for the event. Events organized by individuals or an informal group of individuals, that are not a part of or related to any non-profit corporation or other legal business entity, may request City Council approval for event insurance to be provided by the City’s insurance program. Events approved to receive event insurance through the City’s insurance program include: Saratoga’s Independence Day Celebration, Saratoga Village Development Council events, and Bollywood in the Park. c. Unsecured event funding requests are limited to a maximum of $2,000. d. Events run by organizations receiving Secured Community Event Grant Funding are not eligible to apply for discretionary funding. IV. ANNUAL APPLICATION PROCESS The application process begins in December for the following Fiscal Year. The timeline is outlined below: a. December - Council reviews and determines both secured and unsecured funding amounts for the next fiscal year’s Community Grant allocations. b. January - Applications for unsecured funding grants are available and event organizers are invited to apply. c. February - Completed applications are due. Applications are reviewed and compiled for Council review. 6 PROGRAM POLICY d. March - Council determines the unsecured funding distribution for events based on funding availability and need. 7 Saratoga Library & Community Engagement Commission Minutes | February 7, 2022 Page 1 of 3 MINUTES SARATOGA LIBRARY & COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT COMMISSION REGULAR MEETING FEBRUARY 7, 2022 CALL TO ORDER Chair Eric Lewis called the meeting to order at 7:04 pm ROLL CALL Present: Chair Eric Lewis, Vice Chair Victoria Zhang, Commissioner Cristina Meiser Absent: Commissioner Robert Gulino Also Present: Jennifer Weeks, Nichole King, David Guidry, Ahana Chakraborty, Ayushi Chakraborty, Kayla Nakamoto, 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 December 16, 2021 Regular Meeting. MEISER/ZHANG MOVED TO APPROVE THE MINUTES FROM DECEMBER 16, 2021 REGULAR MEETING WITH A CORRECTION TO THE MEETING DATE. MOTION PASSED. AYES: LEWIS, MEISER, ZHANG. NOES: NONE. ABSTAIN: NONE. ABSENT: GULINO. 2. Saratoga Teen Advisory Board Report Recommended Action: Receive Saratoga Teen Advisory Board report. Ahana Chakraborty and Ayushi Chakraborty from the Saratoga Teen Advisory Board reported on recent activities and upcoming events, including SED Talks, Tile Trade and Talk, Coffeehouse, and increased outreach to Lynbrook High School students. 3. Santa Clara County Library District Report Recommended Action: Receive Santa Clara County Library District report. 8 Saratoga Library & Community Engagement Commission Minutes | February 7, 2022 Page 2 of 3 Jennifer Weeks, Santa Clara County Librarian, reported on the selection of the 7th County Poet Laureate, Silicon Valley Reads, Black History Month activities, and shared all branch libraries are now open again 7 days per week. 4. Saratoga Community Library Report Recommended Action: Receive Saratoga Community Library report. Nichole King, Saratoga Community Librarian, reported on extension of hours, library card designs, library checkouts and visitor counts, Black History Month displays, New Year wish tree display, and distribution of tests and masks at Saratoga Library on February 11. 5. Friends of the Saratoga Libraries Report Recommended Action: Receive Friends of the Saratoga Libraries report. David Guidry, Friends of the Saratoga Libraries President, reported on volunteer recruitment efforts, publicity and outreach, Book-Go-Round newsletter, Blind Date with a Book Valentine’s promotion, and potential collaboration with other Friends organizations. 6. Library & Community Engagement Commission Chair Report Recommended Action: Receive Library & Community Engagement Commission Chair report. Chair Eric Lewis reported on the Friends and Commissioners forum hosted by the Santa Clara County Library District. 7. City of Saratoga Report Recommended Action: Receive City of Saratoga report. Crystal Bothelio, Assistant City Manager, reported on the Community Event Grant Program, Housing Element update, Commission recruitments, Commission Work Plan Study Session, and virtual meetings. Event grant, housing element, commission recruitments, commission work plan study session date selection 8. Community News & Trends Recommended Action: Share news and trends within the community. None 9 Saratoga Library & Community Engagement Commission Minutes | February 7, 2022 Page 3 of 3 9. 2022 Work Plan Recommended Action: Finalize the proposed 2022 Work Plan for City Council consideration. A special meeting may be scheduled if the Commission would like more time to finalize the proposed 2022 Work Plan. The Commission discussed the proposed work plan and agreed to make the following changes: • Remove uncertain language in description of Community Event Grant Program on allocation of competitive program funds. • Update Celebrate Saratoga’s Diversity to allow collaboration with the Library or other community organizations as appropriate. • Change Parent/Youth Program to Parent/Student Collaboration and make description more general to allow Project Cornerstone or something similar and collaboration with West Valley College or other community partner. • Remove City Commission Showcase. • Revise Good Neighbor Day description to be more general so that it does not call specifically for an event or activity. • Update Serve as City of Saratoga Ambassador to include encouragement for service on a City Commission. SUMMARIZE ACTION ITEMS None AGENDA ITEMS FOR NEXT MEETING – APRIL 11, 2022 The Commission agreed to hold a special meeting on March 15 at 3:00 p.m. to finalize the work plan before City Council consideration and receive an overview of requirements for the Community Event Grant Program. ADJOURNMENT Chair Eric Lewis adjourned the meeting at 9:13 p.m. Minutes respectfully submitted: Crystal Bothelio, Assistant City Manager City of Saratoga 10 Saratoga Library & Community Engagement Commission Minutes | March 15, 2022 Page 1 of 2 MINUTES SARATOGA LIBRARY & COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT COMMISSION SPECIAL MEETING MARCH 15, 2022 CALL TO ORDER Chair Eric Lewis called the meeting to order at 3:01 p.m. ROLL CALL Present: Chair Eric Lewis, Vice Chair Victoria Zhang, Commissioner Robert Gulino, Cristina Meiser Absent: None Also Present: Nichole King, Kayla Nakamoto, Crystal Bothelio AGENDA ITEMS 1. Library & Community Engagement Commission Work Plan Recommended Action: Finalize the proposed Work Plan for City Council consideration during the Commission Work Plan Study Session on March 28, 2022. The Library & Community Engagement Commission is scheduled to present its work plan at 6:30 p.m., but members are advised to join the meeting by 6:15 p.m. Chair Lewis indicated that he would be attending the Commission Work Plan Study Session and invited all other members of the Commission to attend. He then introduced discussion of work plan items that members have an interest in championing. GULINO/ZHANG MOVED TO RECOMMEND THE WORK PLAN FOR CITY COUNCIL CONSIDERATION AT THE COMMISSION WORK PLAN STUDY SESSION. MOTION PASSED. AYES: GULINO, LEWIS, MEISER, ZHANG. NOES: NONE. ABSTAIN: NONE. ABSENT: NONE. 2. Community Event Grant Program Overview Recommended Action: Receive an overview of the Community Event Grant Program. The Commission is scheduled to review applications and develop funding recommendations at the April 11, 2022 meeting for City Council consideration. Kayla Nakamoto, Administrative Analyst for the City of Saratoga, provided an overview of the Community Event Grant Program. 11 Saratoga Library & Community Engagement Commission Minutes | March 15, 2022 Page 2 of 2 Vice Chair Zhang requested the agenda packet as early as possible to provide the Commission with more time to review applications. If the full packet is not available early, application materials can be provided. Chair Lewis requested that each applicant be invited to briefly speak on their application and the event that they are seeking grant funds for. The Commission discussed options for evaluating applications during the meeting and developing a funding recommendation to the Council. The Commission agreed that they could begin discussion by identifying events that each member would support funding to identify where there is consensus and then proceed with refining the funding recommendation to Council as needed. Staff was asked to prepare a spreadsheet to help facilitate that process. SUMMARIZE ACTION ITEMS None AGENDA ITEMS FOR NEXT MEETING – APRIL 11, 2022 The Commission asked staff to work with Commission Chair Lewis to determine if reports should be done verbally or if the agenda should be reordered only depending on the number of applications. ADJOURNMENT GULINO/MEISER MOVED TO ADJOURN THE MEETING AT 4:01 P.M. MOTION PASSED. AYES: GULINO, LEWIS, MEISER, ZHANG. NOES: NONE. ABSTAIN: NONE. ABSENT: NONE. Minutes respectfully submitted: Crystal Bothelio, Assistant City Manager City of Saratoga 12 Serving the unincorporated areas of Santa Clara County and the cities of Campbell | Cupertino | Gilroy | Los Altos | Los Altos Hills | Milpitas | Monte Sereno | Morgan Hill | Saratoga March 2022 Library Stakeholder Report Jennifer Weeks, County Librarian Kinder Readiness at the Library Is your little one getting ready to start kindergarten? If so, let the Library help prepare you parents and caregivers with a trio of workshops led by early childhood educator Dr. Gerardo Lopez. You will learn how to help your child acquire essential skills around language and communication, math and science, and social emotional development. These workshops will help you prepare your child for kindergarten and ensure a smoother transition to school life. The workshops are being held virtually on Saturday mornings in March to make them as accessible as possible. Saturday, March 12 @ 11 a.m. Saturday, March 19 @ 11 a.m. Saturday, March 26 @ 11 a.m. You can register on the Library District’s website. Silicon Valley Reads March Events March is prime time for Silicon Valley Reads, with several virtual appearances by authors, including SVR’s featured authors for kids and adults. Children’s author Christine Paik (The Girl in the Gold Dress) and teen author Adib Khorram (Darius the Great is Not Okay) kick things off on March 3 with individual talks. On March 8 Richard Lui, featured author of Enough About Me: The Unexpected Power of Selflessness, will share details about his decision to place his career on hold and return home to the Bay Area to take care of his father, who suffers from Alzheimer’s Disease. On March 22, husband and wife team J.J. and Chris Gravberstein will talk about their YA book Shine! and Pastor Bruce Reyes-Chow will talk about his work, In Defense of Kindness. Find the full list of Silicon Valley Reads events on the website. If you have not already done so, register for SVR2022 on Beanstack. Everyone who logs in a book and completes a short “Write Your Thoughts” activity will be eligible for a special thank you prize. 13 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 Women’s History Month Library Events The theme for 2022’s Women’s History Month is Providing Healing, Promoting Hope. This is a recognition of the key role that women have performed in the response to COVID-19 and the day-to-day work that many women perform at home and professionally to care for others. Both the Smithsonian Institute and the National Women’s History Museum are hosting virtual events throughout the month. Use our free eResources, The Great Courses, to watch documentaries and learn about the Women’s Movement, how the Civil War affected women, as well as the role of women in the early days of baseball. Also, look for special displays at our libraries about Women’s History. From Amelia Earhart to Amy Tan to Kamala Harris, women make great strides in society and leave their mark. Virtual Homework Help Available Students are invited to join SCCLD's online tutoring pods. Free online homework help will be offered for students in grades 1-12 through May 26th via Zoom. This service aligns to Common Core math and ELA and provides personalized social emotional growth activities and learning support. Sessions for students in grades 1-6 will be available Mondays and Wednesdays from 3:30pm-5pm. Sessions for students in grades 7-12 are available Tuesdays and Thursdays from 3:30pm-5pm. Tutors are provided by the Bay Area Tutoring Association and the coach to student ratio is a maximum of 1:8. Students will be organized by grade level within each session. Up to 50 students can attend each session and waitlists will be available. This service is offered to residents of Campbell, Cupertino, Gilroy, Los Altos, Los Altos Hills, Milpitas, Monte Sereno, Morgan Hill, Saratoga, and the unincorporated areas of Santa Clara County. Register in advance on our website. We All Can Use a Little Relaxation with Headspace Life today can be stressful. Between tax season, the kids’ school, work, and COVID related issues, sometimes you need a mental break. The mindfulness app Headspace, available for free through the Library, has many features to help patrons relax, unwind, and improve their productivity. Have you checked it out recently? There are new options regularly, including relaxing music lists to help with sleep and guided meditation sessions of any length of time you prefer. Find a little Headspace for yourself today. 14 Serving the unincorporated areas of Santa Clara County and the cities of Campbell | Cupertino | Gilroy | Los Altos | Los Altos Hills | Milpitas | Monte Sereno | Morgan Hill | Saratoga April 2022 Library Stakeholder Report Jennifer Weeks, County Librarian National Library Week The theme of this year’s National Library Week (April 3-9) is “Connect with your Library.” Libraries are a place for people of all ages to connect in person, connect through shared interests, connect to online resources and, increasingly, to connect virtually. As part of the celebration of this week , you are invited to take part in daily activities. • Sunday, April 3: Check out our 24/7 Online Library. SCCLD has an ever-growing collection of eBooks, eAudiobooks, digital music and streaming movies for you to explore. Resources have been helpfully arranged by general subject to make them easier to find, whatever your goal. Entertainment, help with school, great reads, we have them all. • Monday, April 4: The work week starts off with the release of the American Library Association’s State of America’s Libraries Report, which has a wealth of data about library use nationwide. The Top Ten Frequently Challenged Books of 2021 list will also be released, a hot topic this year with efforts by some groups to limit access to certain books. • Tuesday, April 5: National Library Workers Day, a time to thank the many great individuals who staff and provide support to our libraries. To each of you, THANK YOU for your involvement, support and contributions to make SCCLD one of the Top Ten Library Systems in the nation with a budget of more than $30 million, according to Library Journal. We have created a video to show how much we appreciate you. • Wednesday, April 6: National Library Outreach Day, which gives us a chance to highlight the great work of our Bookmobile team, along with the Library District’s BookDash service, community outreach activities and community partners. • Thursday, April 7: Take Action for Libraries Day, a time when those who care about library priorities contact elected officials and others to advocate for important issues. You can also follow your local library on social media and tell us what connections you've made thanks to the library. Share stories on our social media sites (YouTube, Facebook, Instagram, Twitter) @SCCLD about services the library has provided that have made a difference in your life and be sure that everyone in your household has an active library account. • Friday, April 8: Have you signed everyone in your household up for a library account? It's easy to do. Just go into any SCCLD library or Bookmobile stop. Within a few minutes they will have a card that grants them full access to our physical and online collections. There are even three new interactive card designs to choose between. For those who only need a digital account you can easily sign up for one on our website, which will grant you access to our 24/7 Online Library, which is constantly adding great new resources. 15 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 • Saturday, April 9: The weekend is a great time to reread one of your favorite books or discover a new favorite with a suggestion from any of our knowledgeable librarians or find a good book on our website. SCCLD Strategic Planning Happy National Library Week! There are over 16,600 public libraries throughout the United States. And while each is unique to the community it serves, the Library Bill of Rights first adopted by the American Library Association in 1939 consists of statements of basic principles that govern the service of all libraries. SCCLD is honored to serve our communities as forums for information and ideas, always looking to how the library can best meet resident needs. To develop this vision, the Library District is consulting with Constructive Disruption to create a fresh strategic plan to bring our libraries forward with innovative services, relevant resources and exciting programs. Opportunities for public input include focus groups with key community groups, commissions and other city leaders and an online public survey. The online survey will launch in April, and you will be sent an email to participate, or you can click on the link from our website when available. Please take a few minutes to complete the survey to inform the important work to make your library the very best it can be. Happy Spring! Spring is here with warmer, longer days. Many families are getting ready for spring break and looking for activities to keep kids learning and growing. The Library offers a number of Early Learning events for young children and will soon be hosting in-person storytimes as well! Teens can find several resources that may interest them on our Teens’ webpage. From Teens STREAM+ videos for and by teens, to book recommendations around numerous themes, to links to upcoming library events, there is a lot to keep them connected. Poetry Month Happenings April is National Poetry Month and for Tshaka Campbell, his first as County Poet Laureate. In this honorary position, he has been featuring previous County Poet Laureate’s on his new official Poet Laureate Facebook page. Campbell is also promoting a new Bringing the Light initiative, which seeks original poems (up to three) from local residents about their feelings 16 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 and experiences over the past three years. Selected poems will be featured in an Anthology and some will be included in a light projection installation and/or a partnership with the VTA titled “Words in Motion.” The Library’s website has a page devoted to poetry events at our libraries, including some featuring the County Poet Laureate. You can also find works by a variety of poets in our collection. Financial Literacy Month April is more than just the month our state and federal taxes are due. It’s also a time to build up our financial literacy to help prepare for retirement, education expenses for our kids, and life in general. Our librarians have compiled a list of some of the best resources for you around this important topic. We also have a Smart Investing page on our website with links to several free library resources that patrons will find useful for financial planning. Join us for In-Person Programs in April We know our littlest patrons and their families have been eagerly waiting for our beloved storytimes to return to the library. We appreciate your patience. Good news! We will be offering many in-person programs and services in April, which includes both in-person events and the use of community rooms by the public. For a full list of programs, visit our events calendar. To reserve a meeting or Community room, visit our website. Everyone is welcome at the library! 17 SANTA CLARA COUNTY LIBRARY DISTRICT APRIL 2022 EVENTS **All libraries will be closed and services unavailable on Sunday, April 17 in observance of Easter** CAMPBELL EXPRESS LIBRARY – 1 West Campbell Avenue, Room 46 Special Author Visit: Masha Rumer Tuesday, April 5, 7 – 8 p.m., Orchard City Banquet Hall Author Masha Rumer will discuss her book, Parenting with an Accent. Her visit includes a reading and a lively discussion about balancing multiple cultures, bilingualism, parenting traditions and more. Please register online. ESL Conversation Club Tuesdays, April 12, 19, & 26, 1:30 p.m. – 2:30 p.m., Room M-50 at Campbell Community Center Practice your English conversation skills with friends. Please register online. Travel Program: Iran Tuesday, April 19, 7:15 – 8:45 p.m., Orchard City Banquet Hall Watch a video presentation that shares the art and architectural glories of the Persian civilization. CUPERTINO -- 10800 Torre Avenue Spring Clean Your Medicine Cabinet Wednesday, April 6, 10 a.m. – 12 p.m., Ground Floor Lobby Get rid of old medicines easily! Stop by to get free mail-back envelopes for expired prescription and over the counter medicines. Teen Paint Chip Poetry Workshop Wednesday, April 13, 7 – 8:30 p.m., Teen Group Study Room, Upstairs Use paint chips to craft unexpected and surprising poems. No poetry experience necessary. Online registration required due to limited space. 18 GILROY -- 350 W. Sixth Street Snack Break at Gilroy Library Mondays-Fridays, 3 -5 p.m. (except holidays and school breaks) Visit the children’s area near the Nest room to grab a snack, while supplies last. Knitting & Crochet Weekly Meetup Thursdays, April 7, 14, 21, & 28, 1 – 4 p.m., Upstairs Quiet Study B Bring your projects, ask questions, receive help and meet new people! No registration necessary. Open Poetry Readings with Garlicky Group of Poets Saturday, April 9, 3:30 – 4:30 p.m., Downstairs Meeting Room Read whatever poetry you want to read and join in related discussions. No registration necessary. Safe Space Meeting for LGBTQ+ Youth Tuesday, April 12, 4 – 6 p.m., Downstairs Meeting Room This in-person support group is for youth and young adults (ages 13-25). Play games, participate in group activities and discussions and build community. No registration necessary. ESL Class for Beginners Mondays and Wednesdays, April 18, 20, 25, & 27, 6 – 8 p.m., Upstairs Computer Training Lab Register for this 16-class series led by professional ESL instructors. Learn and improve your English listening and speaking skills. Attendees must be 18+ years old and take a test to determine level. Book Discussion Tuesday, April 26, 7 – 8 p.m., Upstairs Quiet Study B We will be discussing Such a Fun Age by Kiley Reid. Please register. Spring Clean Your Medicine Cabinet Thursday, April 28, 11 a.m. – 1 p.m., Downstairs Lobby Get rid of old medicines easily! Stop by to get free mail-back envelopes for expired prescription and over the counter medicines. LOS ALTOS -- 13 S. San Antonio Road Smash the Library: THE FINALE Sunday, April 10, 12 – 5 p.m., Orchard Room Join us for a Super Smash Tournament at the Library. We will be playing Super Smash Bros. Ultimate for the Nintendo Switch. Please bring your own controller. This event is for people 14+. Register online to participate. 19 Outdoor Family Storytime Tuesday, April 12, 19, & 26, 10:15 – 10:45 a.m., Los Altos History Museum Join us for songs, stories, fingerplays, action rhymes and more. All storytimes will be held at the Los Altos History Museum except on April 26th (that will be at Hillview Soccer Field). Book Making Craft for Kids Thursday, April 14, 3:30 – 4:30 p.m., Orchard Room Choose from a couple of binding techniques, create your own book and decorate or write inside. Register for this event starting Thursday, April 7. Page Turners Book Club for Grades 4-6 Tuesday, April 19, 4 – 5 p.m., Orchard Room We will be discussing Out of My Mind by Sharon Draper, then doing an activity. Please register at the Children’s Reference Desk and pick up your copy of the book by Tuesday, April 12. Book Bugs Club for Grades 2-3 Wednesday, April 20, 4 – 5 p.m., Orchard Room We will be talking about Case of the Lost Boy by Dori Hillestad Butler, then we will do a craft. Please register at the Children’s Reference Desk and pick up your copy of the book. Furry Friends Reading Buddies Saturday, April 23, 2:30 – 3:30 p.m., Orchard Room Sign up for a 10-minute time slot to read to a therapy dog. Please register starting Thursday, April 21. MILPITAS -- 160 N. Main Street Get Ready for Kindergarten Workshop Tuesdays, April 12, 19 & 26, 6 – 7:30 p.m., Auditorium Dr. Gerardo Lopez will lead these fun, educational and interactive workshops that focus on certain skillsets that children need to develop before they start kindergarten. Registration opens on Tuesday, April 5 at 6 p.m. Tai Chi Fridays, April 15, 22& 29, 10 – 11 a.m., Auditorium Tai Chi Master Roy Wong will lead this elegant, healthful and spiritual exercise. This class runs in six-months sessions. No drop-ins please. Register online. AP Practice Tests Saturday, April 16, 10 – 11:30 a.m., Auditorium C2 Education is providing practice Advanced Placement multiple choice tests. Register online by April 9. 20 Kindergarten Storytimes for Ages 3-5 Tuesdays & Thursdays, April 19, 21, 26 & 28, 10:30 – 11 a.m., Auditorium Storytimes focus on stories, songs, and flannelboard stories that help your child get ready for kindergarten. Space is limited and free storytimes passes are required to attend. Passes allow one caregiver and one child. Passes can be picked up at the Children’s Help Desk 30 minutes before storytime starts. Reading Buddies for Grades K-5 Saturday, April 23, 2 – 3 p.m., Children’s Activity Room Kids can buddy up with a furry friend and read one-on-one from a favorite book. This is a drop- in program, no registration necessary. Intermediate ESL Class Monday and Wednesday, April 25 & 27, , 6 – 8 p.m., Computer Training Lab Improve English listening and speaking skills. Placement exam is required for this level. Textbooks and supplies will be provided. Book Discussion Group Wednesday, April 27, 7:30 – 8:30 p.m., Auditorium We will discuss featured Silicon Valley Reads book, A Dream Called Home by Reyna Grande. Please register online. Day of the Child/Day of the Book Art Mural Saturday, April 30, 10:30 a.m. – 12 p.m., Auditorium Drop by and help decorate the library with your piece of art! Due to room capacity, families may need to wait their turn until space is available. Interactive Family Movie Matinee Saturday, April 30, 2 – 4 p.m., Auditorium Families with children ages 3+ are invited to an interactive viewing of the film, Encanto. Space is limited and registration is required. Register in-person at the Children’s Help Desk beginning Saturday, April 23 at 2 p.m. MORGAN HILL -- 660 W. Main Avenue Snack Break at Morgan Hill Library Mondays-Thursdays, 3 – 4 p.m. (except holidays and school breaks) Kids 18 and under are invited to stop by the library for a snack, while supplies last. Safe Space Meeting for LGBTQ+ Youth Tuesdays, April 5 & 12, 4 – 6 p.m., Outside Patio (weather permitting) This in-person support group is for youth and young adults (ages 13-25). Play games, participate in group activities and discussions and build community. No registration necessary. 21 Beginning Bridge Lessons Mondays, April 11, 18, & 25, 1 – 4 p.m., Program Room This series of 10-classes will focus on introductory bidding and the playing of bridge. The Friends of the Morgan Hill Library will provide all supplies. Master Gardeners Tuesday, April 12, 7 – 8:30 p.m., Large Programming Room UCCE Master Gardener Joan Cloutier will discuss ways to create a beautiful low-water landscape using drought tolerant shrubs and small trees. After Dinner Book Club Tuesday, April 12, 7:30 – 9 p.m., Adult Program Room We will discuss Britt Marie Was Here by Fredrik Backman. Great Decisions Foreign Policy Discussion Wednesdays, April 13 & 27, 6:30 – 8:30 p.m. This program provides background information and policy options for the most critical issues facing America each year. Library Ukulele Society Tuesday, April 19, 5 – 7 p.m. Bring your uke and music stand or come to listen and sing along! No registration required. SARATOGA -- 13650 Saratoga Avenue Advanced ESL Class Mondays & Wednesdays, April 18, 20, 25 & 27, 10 a.m. – 12 p.m. Register for this 16-class series led by professional ESL instructors. Learn and improve your English listening and speaking skills. Attendees must be 18+ years old and take a test to determine level. Teatime Book Chatter Thursday, April 21, 1 – 2 p.m. We will be reading and discussing My Sister, the Serial Killer by Oyinkan Braithwaite. ONLINE EVENTS How to Create a Successful Retirement Plan Friday, April 1, 11 a.m. – 12 p.m. (Register for Zoom link) Learn how to calculate your retirement needs and how to invest for retirement during your retirement years. 22 Virtual Trivia Night for Adults Monday, April 4, 6 – 7 p.m. (Register for Zoom link) Test your knowledge about everything movies and music related! Online Chinese Book Club Wednesday, April 6, 10:15 – 11:15 a.m. (Register for Zoom link) The April title is 甜蜜與卑微: 40年的守候, 換得一個回眸, 作者：郭強生 (Tian mi yu bei wei: 40 nian de shou hou, huan de yi ge hui mou by Guo, Qiangsheng). Special Author Event: Masha Rumer Wednesday, April 6, 7 – 8 p.m. (Register for Zoom link) Author Masha Rumer will discuss her book, Parenting with an Accent. Her visit includes a reading and a lively discussion about balancing multiple cultures, bilingualism, parenting traditions and more. Please register online. Online English Conversation Club Wednesdays, April 6, 13, 20 & 27, 6 – 7:15 p.m. (Register for Zoom link) Thursdays, April 7, 14, 21 & 28, 11 a.m. – 12:15 p.m. (Register for Zoom link) Meet new friends and practice English together. Financial Literacy for Teens Wednesdays, April 13, 20, & 27, 4 – 5 p.m. (Register for Zoom link) Join KeyPoint Credit Union and SCCLD in a three-part series for financial literacy, and learn the basics of money management, understanding credit and making good money decisions. Value Line: Get Stoked About Stocks Thursday, April 21, 1 – 2 p.m. (Register for Zoom link) Learn about this free eResource, and how to navigate it to find information on stocks, securities, the stock market and the economy. Adult Book Discussion Thursday, April 21, 7 – 8:15 p.m. (Register for Zoom link) We will be discussing the Silicon Valley Reads memoir, Enough About Me by Richard Lui. Asset Allocation: A Strategy for Life Friday, April 29, 11 a.m. – 12 p.m. (Register for Zoom link) Asset allocation is an investment strategy that attempts to balance risk vs. reward in an investment portfolio. This presentation will provide useful asset allocation suggestions for people of all ages. 23 Saratoga Library Report April 2022 Nichole King, Community Librarian Month Number of Borrowers Number of Check-Ins Number of Checkouts FEBRUARY 7313 44909 49002 MARCH 8285 50597 51993 April/May Programs and Events Very excited to return to some in person programming and community room bookings. We will still be providing virtual programs. For details on a specific program or to register for a program (if applicable), please go to www.sccld.org/events IN PERSON PROGRAMS Family Storytime for All Ages Tuesday, April 12, 2022 11:00AM – 11:30AM Join us for fun stories, rhymes, fingerplays and songs in our enclosed, outdoor patio next to the Friends' Cafe! Because seating is limited, please line up along the wall of displayed art (opposite the Accounts Services desk). No registration required. Stroller parking is available in the children's room. Master Gardeners: Deciduous Fruit Trees Monday, April 18, 2022 6:30PM – 7:30PM Learn how to grow a season of summer fruit from early summer through late fall with deciduous fruit trees. Talk will cover how to plant a bare-root tree and what to consider in your selection and maintenance to enjoy an annual harvest. Presented by Master Gardener Yeffi Vanatta. This program is in-person at the Saratoga Library. Please register to attend. 24 Get Ready for Kindergarten Workshop with Dr. Gerardo Lopez Tuesday, May 3, 2022 6:00PM – 7:30PM Join us for fun, educational, and interactive in-person workshops led by early childhood educator, Dr. Gerardo Lopez. Each week Dr. Lopez will focus on certain skillsets that children need to develop before they start kindergarten. This workshop is best suited for children entering transitional kindergarten or kindergarten this fall. Children's face masks will be available. The Soul of Hakone, Its History and Legacy Saturday, May 7, 2022 11:00AM – 12:00PM Ann Waltonsmith and Connie Young Yu will discuss the fascinating history and untold stories of Hakone Gardens and their discoveries in writing this book. They will show rare photographs of the early garden and the remarkable people who saved it for future generations. This in-person program will be held in the Community Room. Should circumstances require the program to be virtual, we will send a Zoom link to all registrants. This program is sponsored by the Santa Clara County Library District and Hakone Gardens. Seating is limited. Registration is required. Upcoming in-person programs include ESL Classes, Android/IOS Essentials & Craft Club for Adults VIRTUAL PROGRAMS Financial Planning: What is your Long Term Care Strategy? Tuesday, April 12, 2022 7:00PM – 8:00PM Learn how to approach Long Term care planning from financial and emotional perspectives in this workshop. Financial Literacy for Teens Wednesday, April 13, 2022 4:00PM – 5:00PM Join KeyPoint Credit Union and SCCLD in a three-part series for financial literacy! April 13: The Basics of Money Management April 20: Understanding Credit April 27: Making Good Money Decisions Financial Planning: Medicare - What you don't know and what it could cost you Monday, April 25, 2022 7:00PM – 8:00PM Medicare planning is a critical component of retirement planning. This presentation covers the nuts and bolts of Medicare Parts A, B, C and D. This program is the third in a series of financial planning workshops presented by Santa Clara County Library District with the Financial Planning Association of Silicon Valley in April. Other Virtual Programs include: Virtual Film Discussion, Homework Help, ESL Conversation Club, Book Discussions Outreach events include Community Plant Swap at Saratoga HS and the upcoming Blossom Festival. 25 FSL President's Report for Library Commission April 2022 - Retail Sales have been going very well at both the store and eBay. We may not hit our aggressive target for the year, but we are certainly doing better than before or expected over the past couple of months. - We had an exciting visitor recently, Andy Weir, the author of The Martian and other successful books. He was interviewed for a French documentary about space exploration at our humble Book-Go-Round store and signed some books for us. It will be many months before its finished, but the director promised to send us a link to the English version of the film when it is finished as its unlikely to be aired here. - Our furniture donation has been approved, the furniture ordered and the check cashed. Now we are just waiting for it to arrive and are excited to see how it looks. - Its nomination season and our Nominating Committee has done a great job of managing w hat turned out to be more change over than we anticipated. I’m very excited for the new people we have recruited and other organizational changes we are considering. - Membership continues to bring in numbers well over expectations, despite some complications we have faced due to the system being antiquated. - We had a wonderful Taiwan Native Dance event at the library which was well attended and got everyone up and moving. We will also be present at many of the upcoming town events, such as the Blossom Festival and Wine Stroll. - The second issue of our Shop With Us newsletter went out recently. This is a smaller newsletter from our members one focused on promoting the Book-Go-Round and our retail efforts. If you don’t receive this and would like to, then go to our bookgoround.com website where you can sign up. - I was honored to join several other Friends Presidents in a focus group to discuss community needs and issues that will be used by the county library in developing their strategic vision. Respectfully submitted, David Guidry President, Friends of the Saratoga Libraries == 26 Library & Community Engagement Commission April 11, 2022 CITY OF SARATOGA Memorandum To: Library & Community Engagement Commission From: Crystal Bothelio, Assistant City Manager Date: April 11, 2022 Subject: Commission Report City of Saratoga Virtual Brown Act Meetings On October 20, 2021 the City Council adopted a Resolution that enabled the City Council and all Brown Act bodies of the City to continue to meet remotely in accordance with AB 361. This state law allows cities to meet remotely based on a state of emergency proclaimed by the Governor when the city determines that either: 1) state or local public health officials have required or recommend social distancing; or 2) the emergency continues to directly impact the ability to meet safely in person. On March 2, 2022 the City Council voted to continue virtual meetings for all of the City’s Brown Act bodies and to continue bringing this item for approval until further notice. Pursuant to AB 361, staff must bring this item back to the City Council every 30 days. The City Council may reaffirm that meetings should be conducted virtually due to either social distancing requirements or guidance from a state or local public health official or a state of emergency that impacts the ability for meetings to be conducted safely in person; and/or provide direction to staff to resume in-person meetings. Commission Recruitments The City of Saratoga needs knowledgeable and talented residents to advise the City Council on a wide range of subjects that impact the community. The City is currently seeking volunteers to serve on the Youth Commission, Public Art Commission, and Library and Community Engagement Commission. The recruitment for Library and Community Engagement Commission includes Commissioner Cristina Meiser’s position, who is eligible for reappointment, and the position previously reserved for the Monte Sereno nominee that has now been opened to Saratoga applicants. Visit the City website at www.saratoga.ca.us/comvac to learn more. Arbor Day Celebration on April 27 This year marks the 150th anniversary of Arbor Day in the United States and the City of Saratoga’s 15th year as a Tree City USA, a recognition awarded by the Arbor Day Foundation to communities that demonstrated a commitment to urban forestry. Join the City in celebrating Arbor Day on Wednesday, April 27 at 4:00 p.m. in Kevin Moran Park at 12415 27 Library & Community Engagement Commission April 11, 2022 Scully Avenue. Enjoy refreshments, resources, and a tree planting ceremony then take home your own oak tree to plant at home. You can also participate by submitting your Arbor Day inspired artwork as part of the City’s ARTbor Day contest. Submit your art inspired by Saratoga’s trees or Arbor Day by April 20 for the chance to win a prize. Three participants will be selected at random to win prizes. Winners will receive their prizes at the City of Saratoga Arbor Day Celebration on Wednesday, April 27 at 4:00 p.m. in Kevin Moran Park. Safe Routes to School Attention parents, students, and community members! You're invited to review the map of school locations and recommended projects in the Safe Routes to School Master Plan, and share your feedback with the Traffic Safety Commission. Safe Routes to School is a movement to create safe travel opportunities for children to walk or bike to school and community members to walk or bike around their neighborhoods. Review the plan, submit your comments, and learn more on the City website at www.saratoga.ca.us/SRTS Free Drive Through COVID-19 Testing BigBang Artwork will offer free drive through COVID-19 testing on 10 and 24 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Saratoga Prospect Center, 19848 Prospect Road. The PCR test results are typically available in 24-48 hours. One free N95 mask per visitor will also be supplied. Schedule a required appointment online. Teen Film Competition Do you know a high school student interested in what a clean energy future would look like? Silicon Valley Clean Energy is providing $20,000 in scholarships for students as part of the second Empower Silicon Valley Youth Short-Film Competition! Online entries are due by Monday, May 2. Through a short-film, local youth are invited to explore what a climate- friendly, clean energy world would look like and how we will get there. No film experience or prior climate change knowledge is necessary. Learn more about the competition and sign up for updates on Silicon Valley Clean Energy's website. 28 City of Saratoga Library & Community Engagement Commission MEMBERSHIP NAME TERM END Cristina Meiser 9/30/2022 Victoria Zhang, Vice Chair 9/30/2023 Eric Lewis, Chair 9/30/2024 Robert Gulino 9/30/2025 Vacant, Monte Sereno Representative 9/30/2025 Others: Jennifer Weeks, Santa Clara County Librarian | 408.293.2326 x3001 | jweeks@sccl.org 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 Kayla Nakamoto, City of Saratoga | 408.868.1208 | knakamoto@saratoga.ca.us AGENDA PLANNER The Commission holds regular meetings on the 2nd Monday of even-numbered months at 7:00 p.m. Regular meetings may be rescheduled or canceled. Additionally, schedule special meetings may be scheduled as needed. MEETING AGENDA ITEMS REPORTS February 7, 2022 • Community News & Trends • Minutes • 2022 Work Plan • Summarize Action Items • Library District • Saratoga Library • Friends of the Saratoga Libraries • Teen Advisory Board • Commission Chair • City March 15, 2022 3:00 p.m. • 2022 Work Plan • Overview of Community Event Grant Program March 28, 2022 Commission Work Plan Study Session • Meeting Start: 6:00 p.m. • LCE Work Plan: 6:30 p.m. (suggested arrival 6:15 p.m.) April 11, 2022 • Community News & Trends • Minutes • Community Event Grant Application Review & Funding Recommendation (Work Plan Item) • Summarize Action Items • Library District • Saratoga Library • Friends of the Saratoga Libraries • Teen Advisory Board • Commission Chair • City 29 Library & Community Engagement Commission Agenda Planner – April 2022 Page 2 June 13, 2022 • Community News & Trends • Minutes • Good Neighbor Day (Work Plan Item) • Summarize Action Items • Library District • Saratoga Library • Friends of the Saratoga Libraries • Teen Advisory Board • Commission Chair • City August 8, 2022 • Community News & Trends • Minutes • 2023/24 Work Plan • Parent/Student Collaboration (Work Plan Item) • Summarize Action Items • Library District • Saratoga Library • Friends of the Saratoga Libraries • Teen Advisory Board • Commission Chair • City October 3, 2022 • Community News & Trends • Minutes • Selection of Chair and Vice Chair • 2023/24 Work Plan • Celebrate Saratoga’s Diversity (Work Plan Item) • Summarize Action Items • Library District • Saratoga Library • Friends of the Saratoga Libraries • Teen Advisory Board • Commission Chair • City December 12, 2022 • Community News & Trends • Minutes • Review 2023 Meeting Schedule • 2023/24 Work Plan • Summarize Action Items • Library District • Saratoga Library • Friends of the Saratoga Libraries • Teen Advisory Board • Commission Chair • City February 13, 2023 • Community News & Trends • Minutes • Summarize Action Items • Library District • Saratoga Library • Friends of the Saratoga Libraries • Teen Advisory Board • Commission Chair • City April 10, 2023 • Community News & Trends • Minutes • Community Event Grant Application Review & Funding Recommendation (Work Plan Item) • Summarize Action Items • Library District • Saratoga Library • Friends of the Saratoga Libraries • Teen Advisory Board • Commission Chair • City June 12, 2023 • Community News & Trends • Minutes • Summarize Action Items • Library District • Saratoga Library 30 Library & Community Engagement Commission Agenda Planner – April 2022 Page 3 • Friends of the Saratoga Libraries • Teen Advisory Board • Commission Chair • City 31 Library & Community Engagement Commission Agenda Planner – April 2022 Page 4 LIBRARY & COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT COMMISSION WORK PLAN Fiscal Year 2022/23, Approved March 28, 2022 1. Community Event Grant Program For many years, the City has funded a Community Event Grant Program. This program includes a fixed allocation of funds to support traditional community events, such as the Blossom Festival and July 4 Celebration, as well as competitive funds that other event organizers can apply for. Per the direction of the Council, the Commission will review qualified applications for competitive funding and make funding recommendations to the City Council. 2. Celebrate Saratoga’s Diversity Review current efforts in Saratoga to celebrate diversity to identify opportunities and then work with Saratoga Library or other community organizations to develop diverse and inclusive programs or activities. 3. Parent/Student Collaboration Identify opportunities for parent and/or student collaboration, such as support for Project Cornerstone, engagement with West Valley College, or partnering with Saratoga Youth Commission and Saratoga Library Teen Advisory Board to develop a program geared towards students and parents. 4. Good Neighbor Day Plan a Good Neighbor Day community building effort, such as an outreach campaign to be shared through the City’s social media accounts, to be conducted in coordination with recognition of Good Neighbor Day in September 2022. 5. Saratoga Library and Library District Surveys (Ongoing) The Saratoga Library and Santa Clara County Library District periodically conduct patron surveys. The Commission would provide input on questions, where appropriate, and review the results of library patron surveys to provide recommendations on opportunities to enhance services and programs. 6. Serve as Saratoga Library Ambassador (Ongoing) Attend and volunteer for Saratoga Library events, share information about programs and resources with friends and family in the community, encourage friends and family to obtain a library card, provide Saratoga Library staff with insights that can help shape Library services or programs, and attend the Santa Clara County Library District’s Annual Library Forum as well as Library District Joint Powers Authority meetings, when appropriate. 32 Library & Community Engagement Commission Agenda Planner – April 2022 Page 5 7. Serve as City of Saratoga Ambassador (Ongoing) Attend and volunteer for City of Saratoga events, share information about City efforts and activities with friends and family in the community, encourage friends and family to engage with the City, encourage fellow residents to serve on a City Commission, and provide City staff with insights about community concerns or interests to help shape City outreach and engagement efforts. 33 Library & Community Engagement Commission Agenda Planner – April 2022 Page 6 RESPONSIBILITIES, DUTIES, & RELATIONSHIPS Adopted via 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 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 34 Library & Community Engagement Commission Agenda Planner – April 2022 Page 7 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. 35