HomeMy WebLinkAbout12-05-2022 Library & Community Engagement Agenda PacketSaratoga Library & Community Engagement Commission Agenda | December 5, 2022
Page 1 of 3
SARATOGA
LIBRARY & COMMUNITY
ENGAGEMENT COMMISSION
December 5, 2022
7:00 P.M. REGULAR MEETING
Saratoga City Hall, Linda Callon Conference Room · 13777 Fruitvale Avenue, Saratoga CA 95 070
Participation Information
The meeting will be held in-person and teleconference pursuant to amendments to the
teleconference rules required by the Ralph M. Brown Act allowing teleconferencing during a
proclaimed state of emergency when a local official has recommended social distancing.
Members of the Commission and the public may participate in person at the location listed
above on the agenda or via the Zoom platform using the information below.
• Webinar URL: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/81496979656
• Webinar ID: 814 9697 9656
• Call In: 1.408.638.0968 or 1.669.900.6833
Written Communications
Comments can be submitted in writing at www.saratoga.ca.us/lc. Written communications
received prior the end of the comment period will be provided to the members of the
Commission and included in the agenda packet and/or supplemental meeting materials.
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.
CALL TO ORDER
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.
Saratoga Library & Community Engagement Commission Agenda | December 5, 2022
Page 2 of 3
AGENDA ITEMS
1. Library & Community Engagement Commission Minutes
Recommended Action:
Review and approve the minutes from the October 18, 2022 Special Meeting.
Draft Minutes
2. Saratoga Teen Advisory Board Report
Recommended Action:
Receive Saratoga Teen Advisory Board report.
3. Santa Clara County Library District Report
Recommended Action:
Receive Santa Clara County Library District report.
Santa Clara County Library District Report
4. Saratoga Community Library Report
Recommended Action:
Receive Saratoga Community Library report.
Saratoga Community Library Report
5. Friends of the Saratoga Libraries Report
Recommended Action:
Receive Friends of the Saratoga Libraries report.
6. Commission Committees Report
Recommended Action:
Receive Commission Committees (Celebrate Saratoga’s Diversity, Parent/Student
Collaboration, Good Neighbor Day) report on recent efforts and activities.
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.
Saratoga Library & Community Engagement Commission Agenda | December 5, 2022
Page 3 of 3
10. Fiscal Year 2023/24 Work Plan
Recommended Action:
Review the 2022/23 Work Plan and progress to date. Brainstorm revisions or new ideas
for the 2023/24 Work Plan for staff to gather additional information, including feasibility
and resource needs, for the Commission to finalize the proposed 2023/24 Work Plan at
the February 2023 meeting.
Memo
11. 2023 Meeting Schedule
Recommended Action:
Review the 2023 meeting schedule and make adjustments as needed.
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 December
2, 2022 at the City of Saratoga, 13777 Fruitvale Avenue, Saratoga, California and on the City's website at
www.saratoga.ca.us
Signed this 2nd day of December 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]
Saratoga Library & Community Engagement Commission Minutes | October 18, 2022
Page 1 of 6
MINUTES
SARATOGA LIBRARY &
COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT COMMISSION
SPECIAL MEETING
OCTOBER 18, 2022
CALL TO ORDER
Chair Eric Lewis called the meeting to order 5:06 p.m.
ROLL CALL
Present: Chair Eric Lewis, Vice Chair Victoria Zhang, Commissioner Robert Gulino,
Cristina Meiser, Valerie Nygaard
Absent: None
Also Present: Jennifer Weeks, Nichole King, David Guidry, Crystal Bothelio
ORAL COMMUNICATIONS ON NON-AGENDIZED ITEMS
None
AGENDA ITEMS
1. Selection of Chair and Vice Chair
Recommended Action:
Select new Chair and Vice Chair to serve October 2022 through September 2023. The
Chair and Vice Chair serve a term of 1 year. Each Commissioner may only serve as Chair
or Vice Chair once during a term on the Commission.
GULINO/MEISER MOVED TO NOMINATE VICTORIA ZHANG AS CHAIR. MOTION PASSED.
AYES: GULINO, LEWIS, MEISER, NYGAARD, ZHANG. NOES: NONE. ABSTAIN: NONE.
ABSENT: NONE.
LEWIS/GULINO MOVED TO NOMINATE CRISTINA MEISER AS VICE CHAIR. MOTION
PASSED. AYES: GULINO, LEWIS, MEISER, NYGAARD, ZHANG. NOES: NONE. ABSTAIN:
NONE. ABSENT: NONE.
2. Library & Community Engagement Commission Minutes
Recommended Action:
Review and approve the minutes from the August 8, 2022 Regular Meeting.
GULINO/ZHANG MOVED TO APPROVE THE MINUTES FROM THE AUGUST 8, 2022
REGULAR MEETING. MOTION PASSED. AYES: GULINO, LEWIS, MEISER, NYGAARD,
ZHANG. NOES: NONE. ABSTAIN: NONE. ABSENT: NONE.
3
Saratoga Library & Community Engagement Commission Minutes | October 18, 2022
Page 2 of 6
3. Saratoga Teen Advisory Board Report
Recommended Action:
Receive Saratoga Teen Advisory Board report.
No report
4. Santa Clara County Library District Report
Recommended Action:
Receive Santa Clara County Library District report.
County Librarian Jennifer Weeks discussed Distinguished Author events, use of District
libraries as voting centers, and Community Librarian Nichole King’s transfer to the
Campbell Community Library and process for filling the Saratoga position.
5. Saratoga Community Library Report
Recommended Action:
Receive Saratoga Community Library report.
Saratoga Community Librarian Nichole King shared updates on in-person homework
help Monday through Thursday, funds donated by the Friends of the Saratoga Libraries
for outdoor patio improvements, use of the Saratoga Library as a Vote Center, and
Library Hikes program.
Commissioner Valerie Nygaard inquired about data provided in the Community Library
Report and how it compares to other time periods and if there are any specific targets or
goals that the Library or District are aiming towards.
Saratoga Community Librarian Nichole King shared her observations on trends and
Community Librarian Jennifer Weeks discussed the strategic planning process that is
currently underway.
The Commission requested an update on the strategic planning effort at the December
meeting.
6. Friends of the Saratoga Libraries Report
Recommended Action:
Receive Friends of the Saratoga Libraries report.
Friends of the Saratoga Libraries President David Guidry announced that the Friends
were recognized as Volunteer Organization of the Year during the recent State of the City,
50th anniversary celebration activities and related fundraising strategies, increasing
numbers of new members and efforts to recruit new members, the upcoming paperback
sale, a recent gathering of Friends organizations in the region, the addition of a new
Board role called Development, and local business donations.
4
Saratoga Library & Community Engagement Commission Minutes | October 18, 2022
Page 3 of 6
7. Library & Community Engagement Commission Chair Report
Recommended Action:
Receive Library & Community Engagement Commission Chair report.
Chair Lewis spoke about his time as Chair, including the recent State of the City event
that the Friends of the Saratoga Libraries were recognized at.
8. City of Saratoga Report
Recommended Action:
Receive City of Saratoga report.
Assistant City Manager Crystal Bothelio updated the Commission on the start of hybrid
meetings.
9. Community News & Trends
Recommended Action:
Share news and trends within the community.
Commissioner Robert Gulino spoke about artificial intelligence technology and the
popularity of wearable devices that measure different health metrics as possible Library
presentation or programing topics.
Commissioner Valerie Nygaard shared that she may be able to assist with speakers on
wearable technology.
10. Celebrating Saratoga’s Diversity Work Plan Item
Recommended Action:
Receive recommendation from subcommittee on implementation of Celebrating
Saratoga’s Diversity by working with Saratoga Library to launch an oral history project
that celebrates the diversity of Saratoga by inviting people who live or work in Saratoga
to record a short video at Saratoga Library about what brought them to Saratoga. The
Commission may make a motion to proceed with the approach as recommended or as
amended by the Commission.
Commissioner Victoria Zhang and Commissioner Cristina Meiser provided an update
from the Celebrating Saratoga’s Diversity subcommittee.
Saratoga Friends of the Saratoga Libraries President David Guidry suggested including
personal videos or photos that compliment the stories shared as part of the oral history
project.
Commissioner Valerie Nygaard suggested a beta or trial of the project with a small group
of participants to understanding project needs and ways to refine the project to scale to
5
Saratoga Library & Community Engagement Commission Minutes | October 18, 2022
Page 4 of 6
a larger group. She also suggested that original members of the Friends participate in the
project.
Commissioner Robert Gulino commented on other oral history projects and how they
have been used with advanced technology recently to bring personal stories to life for
viewers.
Chair Eric Lewis noted the importance of editing to make videos more appealing to
viewers. He also suggested some sort of event or activity after the launch of videos, such
as a live interview of video participants.
Commissioner Victoria Zhang agreed that starting small would be helpful in keeping the
project management for the Commission in their first attempt in implanting it. She
proposed starting with a small number of videos that can be showcased on the City
website. The first year can be a trial run to determine if there is interest and if the
program works. If there is interest in the program then it can be expanded in future years.
Commissioner Victoria Zhang also agreed with Chair Eric Lewis’ comments on editing.
Saratoga Community Librarian Nichole King suggested that the Library’s teen volunteers
may be able to do light video editing for the project. She confirmed that the Library has
the capability to take registration and space and equipment for video recording.
NYGAARD/GULINO MOVED TO APPROVE THE PROPOSED RECOMMENDATION FROM
SUBCOMMITTEE ON IMPLEMENTATION OF CELEBRATING SARATOGA’S DIVERSITY BY
WORKING WITH SARATOGA LIBRARY TO LAUNCH A BETA TEST OF AN ORAL HISTORY
PROJECT THAT CELEBRATES THE DIVERSITY OF SARATOGA BY INVITING PEOPLE WHO
LIVE OR WORK IN SARATOGA TO RECORD A SHORT VIDEO AT SARATOGA LIBRARY
ABOUT WHAT BROUGHT THEM TO SARATOGA, AND REPORTING BACK ON THE
COMMITTEE’S PROGRESS AT A FUTURE MEETING. MOTION PASSED. AYES: GULINO,
LEWIS, MEISER, NYGAARD, ZHANG. NOES: NONE. ABSTAIN: NONE. ABSENT: NONE.
11. Good Neighbor Day Work Plan Item Update
Recommended Action:
Receive an update on the Good Neighbor Day work plan effort.
Assistant City Manager Crystal Bothelio provided an overview of the implementation of
Good Neighbor Day at the City level.
12. Parent/Student Collaboration Work Plan Item Update
Recommended Action:
Receive an update on the Parent/Student Collaboration work plan effort.
Commissioner Cristina Meiser provided an update on the Parent/Student Collaboration
work plan item, describing Project Cornerstone and how it is used in schools for social
6
Saratoga Library & Community Engagement Commission Minutes | October 18, 2022
Page 5 of 6
emotional learning and how it can be showcased in public libraries to reinforce Project
Cornerstone programming and lessons. She also updated the Commission on a recent
discussion with West Valley College Director of Student Needs Samantha Hernandez
about the rates of student homelessness and resources that can be provided to
community college students as well as opportunities to address housing needs.
Saratoga Community Librarian Nichole King confirmed that the Project Cornerstone
display and copies of book on the prescribed reading list have been ordered.
Commissioner Valerie Nygaard expressed support for the idea to showcase Project
Cornerstone at the Library to echo what is being taught at school and as a resource for
students who are homeschooled.
13. Subcommittee Assignments
Recommended Action:
Consider amending the Library & Community Engagement Commission subcommittee
assignments to include new Commissioner Valerie Nygaard on Commission
subcommittees.
ZHANG/GULINO MOVED TO AMEND THE LIBRARY & COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT
COMMISSION SUBCOMMITTEE ASSIGNMENTS TO INCLUDE COMMISSIONER VALERIE
NYGAARD ON COMMISSION ON THE PARENT/STUDENT COLLABORATION
SUBCOMMITTEE. MOTION PASSED. AYES: GULINO, LEWIS, MEISER, NYGAARD, ZHANG.
NOES: NONE. ABSTAIN: NONE. ABSENT: NONE.
14. December Meeting Date
Recommended Action:
Consider whether to reschedule the December Regular Meeting, currently scheduled for
December 12 at 7:00 p.m.
GULINO/NYGAARD MOVED TO RESCHEDULE THE DECEMBER REGULAR MEETING FOR
DECEMBER 5 AT 7:00 P.M. MOTION PASSED. AYES: GULINO, LEWIS, MEISER, NYGAARD,
ZHANG. NOES: NONE. ABSTAIN: NONE. ABSENT: NONE.
SUMMARIZE ACTION ITEMS
• Celebrating Diversity subcommittee will share updates on needed.
• Update on Santa Clara County Library District Strategic Plan at next meeting, if
possible.
AGENDA ITEMS FOR NEXT MEETING
None
7
Saratoga Library & Community Engagement Commission Minutes | October 18, 2022
Page 6 of 6
ADJOURNMENT
Chair Eric Lewis adjourned the meeting at 7:30 p.m.
Minutes respectfully submitted:
Crystal Bothelio, Assistant City Manager
City of Saratoga
8
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
November 2022
Library Stakeholder Report
Jennifer Weeks, County Librarian
Marking a Milestone
Anniversary Together
Santa Clara County’s annual Silicon
Valley Reads community engagement
program is back starting January 26,
2023, marking two decades of
celebrating all things reading. Silicon
Valley Reads 2023 invites readers to
embark on a Journey to New
Beginnings, with a fresh set of featured authors and new companion books for children and teens. More
than 100 special programs will be held at schools, libraries, and local organizations as part of Silicon
Valley Reads.
The 2023 Journey to New Beginnings features three adult fiction titles:
There There by Tommy Orange, The Second Life of Mirielle West by Amanda Skenandore, and
What the Fireflies Knew by Kai Harris. Each depicts journeys into our diverse world. A kickoff
event will be held featuring all three authors at De Anza College in Cupertino (info below).
Additional details and registration will be available closer to the event. If you are not currently
receiving the Silicon Valley Reads emails, you can subscribe to join the mailing list at
siliconvalleyreads.org/.
There are four companion books for youth depicting journeys to new beginnings:
Coquí in the City by Nomar Perez (Spanish/English) [Pre–K - 1st], Sugar in Milk by Thrity Umrigar
[Elementary (2nd - 4th)], When Stars are Scattered by Victoria Jamieson & Omar Mohamed [Middle
School (5th - 8th)], and Furia by Yamile Saied Mendez [High School/Young Adult].
• Silicon Valley Reads 2023 Kickoff Event De Anza College
Thursday, January 26, 2023 Visual & Performing Arts Center Theater
Time TBA 21250 Stevens Creek Blvd., Cupertino 95014
9
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
November 8 General Election
State and local issues will be on the ballot for the
upcoming General Election. SCCLD will be assisting
our communities by sponsoring ballot drop sites at our
libraries (exceptions are Campbell Express and
Cupertino Libraries where ballot drop boxes are
available in the Campbell Community Center parking
lot and in front of the Cupertino City Hall) and hosting
Vote Centers at three locations:
Milpitas Library & Saratoga Library Services & Support Center
1370 Dell Avenue, Campbell, CA 95008
Sat., Oct. 29 - Mon., Nov 7 Sat., Nov. 5 – Mon., Nov 7
9am - 5pm 9am – 5pm
Tue., Nov. 8: Election Day Tue., Nov. 8: Election Day
7am - 8pm 7am -8pm
The County Registrar of Voters website has a full list of all Vote Centers. They also have an updated
list of official drop off sites for ballots. You can also look up the closest one to you by address.
Reading Challenge: Family Stories
With the weather outside cooling and nights getting
longer, November is the perfect time for reading. Join
our all online, all age, reading challenge this month
with a focus on family stories.
Together we can read and learn about histories and
stories passed down from generations, tales filled with
laughter, adventure and love. Click here to sign up.
Bookdrop Convenience 24/7
Woodland Library has a new Bookdrop. This is the third
SCCLD library, after Cupertino and Los Altos (pictured), to
offer this convenient option to return items. Best yet, all three
Bookdrops are now available to patrons 24/7. This new
service is a partnership between each library and the
respective city.
10
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
Thank You to our Veterans!
As we honor and thank our veterans for their service, the
Library has a Veterans Resources page with a list of local,
state, and federal support services, including free hotlines
to support Veterans and their families. The page also
features VetNow from Brainfuse, an online resource that
can help with obtaining VA benefits, tutoring and
standardized test prep, plus interview tips and resume
help when making the transition from military to civilian life.
Cultural Exhibits at the Library
The fight for rights by Chinese American women at the federal and state levels is the focus of an exhibit
happening now through January 2023 at Cupertino Library titled Herstory 2: The Legal History of
Chinese American Women. Based on the book of the same title by Dr. Chang C. Chen, the exhibit
offers a rare look at the stories of the women behind the evolution of law that affects the rights of all of
us. The exhibit panels are on the library’s second floor.
Gilroy Library is hosting Dolores Huerta: Revolution in the Fields/Revolución en los Campos from
Saturday, November 5, 2022 through Monday, January 23, 2023. The exhibit was organized by the
Smithsonian Institution Traveling Exhibition Service in collaboration with the Smithsonian’s National
Portrait Gallery and received federal support from the Latino Initiatives Pool, administered by the
Smithsonian Latino Center. A panel discussion with Dolores Huerta and other special guests has
reached maximum capacity but a recording of the event will shared through the library’s website.
A series of two dozen posters created by Hindu Swayamsevak Sangh offers a colorful overview of
Hinduism and India at Milpitas Library from now until November 10. Titled Darshana: A Glimpse into
Hindu Civilization, the exhibit includes information about yoga, science, architecture, and mathematics.
11
SANTA CLARA COUNTY LIBRARY
DISTRICT NOVEMBER 2022 EVENTS
**All libraries will be closed and services unavailable on Friday, November 11 for
Veterans Day and Thursday & Friday, November 24 & 25 for the Thanksgiving
Holiday**
CAMPBELL EXPRESS LIBRARY – 1 West Campbell Avenue, Room 46
ESL Conversation Club
Tuesdays, November 1, 8, & 15, 1:30 – 2:30 p.m., Room M-50 at the Campbell Community
Center
Practice your English conversation skills with friends. Please register online.
Indoor Storytime for Kids 0-5
Wednesdays, November 2, 9, 16, & 30, 10:30 – 11 a.m., Orchard City Banquet Hall (11/16
storytime will be held in Room Q84)
Join us for stories, songs, and more! No registration required.
CUPERTINO -- 10800 Torre Avenue
Storytime for 1s and 2s
Tuesdays, November 1, 8, 15, 22, & 29, 10:30 – 11 a.m., Room 101
This storytime is suitable for kids ages 1-2 years old, and will feature stories, songs, rhymes and
dances that encourage the development of early literacy skills. Storytime is limited to the first
100 families.
ESL Conversation Club
Tuesdays, November 1, 8, & 15, 10:30 a.m. – 12 p.m., Room 201A
Practice your English conversation skills with friends. This program is for adults who speak basic
English. Please register online.
Homework Help for K-9th Grade
Mondays-Thursdays through December, 3:30 – 5 p.m.
Academic coaches from the Bay Area Tutoring Association can provide help in English, history,
math and science. No registration required. Walk-ins welcome, as space allows.
12
Evening Storytime
Wednesdays, November 2, 9, 16, 23, & 30, 7 – 7:30 p.m., Room 101
This storytime is suitable for all ages and will feature stories, songs, rhymes and dances that
encourage the development of early literacy skills. Storytime is limited to the first 100 families.
Storytime for 3-5s
Thursdays, November 3, 10, 17, & 24, 10:30 – 11 a.m., Room 101
This storytime is suitable kids ages 3-5 years old, and will feature stories, songs, rhymes and
dances that encourage the development of early literacy skills. Storytime is limited to the first
100 families.
Family Storytime
Saturdays, November 5, 12, 19, & 26, 10:30 – 11 a.m., Room 101
This storytime is suitable for all ages and will feature stories, songs, rhymes and dances that
encourage the development of early literacy skills. Storytime is limited to the first 100 families.
Ceramics for 4th-8th Graders
Tuesdays, November 8 & 15, 4 – 5:30 p.m., Room 101
Shape, glaze and take home your own clay creation in this 2-day workshop. All materials
provided. Registration required. Must be able to come to both sessions.
Chinese Book Discussion
Thursday, November 10, 10 a.m. – 12 p.m., Program Room 201A
We will discuss 逆思维 Ni si wei (Think Again) by Adam Grant. This discussion will be held in
Mandarin.
Adult Papercrafts
Saturday, November 12, 3 – 4:30 p.m., Program Room 201A
Create handmade cards that pop! All materials will be provided. Please register.
Cupertino Adult Book Discussion
Thursday, November 17, 7 – 8:30 p.m., Program Room 201A
We will discuss Washington Black by Esi Edugyan.
GILROY -- 350 W. Sixth Street
Snack Break for Kids
Mondays-Fridays through May, 3 -4 p.m., Pick up near Accounts Desk
Kids 18 and under are welcomed to pick up an afterschool snack, while supplies last. No
registration necessary.
13
Homework Help for K-9th Grade
Mondays-Thursdays through December, 3:30 – 5 p.m.
Academic coaches from the Bay Area Tutoring Association can provide help in English, history,
math and science. No registration required. Walk-ins welcome as space allows.
Knitting & Crochet Weekly Meetup
Thursdays, November 3, 10, & 17, 1 – 4 p.m., Upstairs Quiet Study B
Bring your projects, ask questions, receive help and meet new people! No registration
necessary.
Book Discussion
Friday, November 4, 10:15 – 11:15 a.m., Upstairs Quiet Study B
We will be discussing Clark and Division by Naomi Hirahara. Registration is encouraged in case
we need to contact you with any updates.
Smithsonian Exhibit: Dolores Huerta: Revolution in the Fields/Revolución en los Campos
Starting Saturday, November 5, Second Floor Community Room
Learn the compelling story of activist and leader Dolores Huerta and the farmworker movement
of the 1960s and 1970s.
Safe Space Meeting for LGBTQ+ Youth
Tuesday, November 8, 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.
Open Poetry Readings with Garlicky Group of Poets
Saturday, November 12, 3:30 – 4:30 p.m., Downstairs Meeting Room
Read any poetry you want to read and join in related discussions. No registration necessary.
LOS ALTOS -- 13 S. San Antonio Road
Indoor Family Storytime
Tuesdays, November 1, 8, 15, 22, & 29, 10:30 – 11 a.m., and 11 – 11:30 a.m., Orchard Room
Join us for an interactive storytime featuring songs, stories and fingerplays. Free tickets will be
given out 30 minutes prior to the event. A second storytime will be held at 11 a.m. to
accommodate those who weren’t able to attend the 10:30 storytime.
Homework Help for K-9th Grade
Mondays-Thursdays through December, 3:30 – 5 p.m.
Academic coaches from the Bay Area Tutoring Association can provide help in English, history,
math and science. No registration required. Walk-ins welcome, as space allows.
14
The Whodunit? Mystery Book Club
Wednesday, November 2, 10:15 – 11:30 a.m., Teen Room
We will be discussing Billy Summers by Stephen King.
Health Screening & Information Table
Wednesdays, November 2 & 16, 6 – 8:30 p.m.
Breathe California will have an informational event and offer three onsite health screenings.
First come, first served based on availability.
World Affairs: Can Peace be Preserved Across the Taiwan Strait
Wednesday, November 2, 7 – 8:30 p.m., Orchard Room
Join us for an evening discussion on world affairs with Kharis Templeman, Research Fellow at
the Hoover Institution and a lecturer at the Center for East Asian Studies at Stanford University.
ESL Conversation Club
Thursdays, November 3, 10, 17 & 24, 1:30 – 3 p.m.
Practice your English conversation skills with friends. This program is for adults who speak basic
English. No registration needed.
Group Games Afternoon (Grades K+)
Friday, November 4, 4 – 5 p.m., Orchard Room
Drop by for group games like Four Corners; Land, Sea, Air; Fish Bowl and more.
Baby Sign Time with Miss Stefanie
Saturday, November 5, 10:30 – 11 a.m., Orchard Room
Babies under a year old and their grownups are welcome to sing songs and learn signs to share
with your baby. Please bring a blanket for your baby.
Family Bingo Night
Sunday, November 6, 5 – 6:30 p.m., Orchard Room
Kids and families are welcome to play bingo.
Book Bugs Club for 2nd and 3rd Grade Readers
Tuesday, November 15, 4 – 5 p.m., Orchard Room
We will discuss Rise of the Earth Dragon by Tracey West. Please register at the desk in the
Children’s Room. Space is limited.
15
Winter Writer’s Night
Tuesday, November 15, 7 – 8:30 p.m., Orchard Room
This is a casual space for adults and teens to work on their own writing projects. We may have
some musical ambience, writing prompts available and time for sharing.
The 10 Warning Signs of Alzheimer’s
Wednesday, November 16, 7 – 8 p.m., Orchard Room
Learn the differences between normal aging and Alzheimer’s Disease, the common warning
signs, the importance of early detection, and resources.
Page Turners Book Club for Grades 4-6
Thursday, November 17, 4 – 5 p.m., Orchard Room
We are discussing Front Desk by Kelly Yang. Please register then stop by the Children’s
Reference Desk to check out a copy of the book.
Peninsula Astronomical Society Presents
Thursday, November 17, 7 – 8 p.m., Orchard Room
A staff engineer at SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory will be talking about a 3 Gigapixel CCD
Camera designed for the Vera Rubin telescope in Chile.
LibraryTECHTalk: Movies and Great Courses
Friday, November 18, 4 – 5 p.m., Orchard Room
Learn how to access the Great Courses and films online for free using Kanopy.
Bay Area Games Day
Saturday, November 19, 10 a.m. – 8 p.m., Orchard Room
Stop by and learn how to play a new board game or bring an old favorite.
Furry Friends Reading Buddie
Saturday, November 26, 2:30 – 3:30 p.m., Orchard Room
Sign up for a 10-minute session to read to a therapy dog. Children in grades K-5 are welcome to
participate.
Warlords of the Air
Tuesday, November 29, 7 – 8 p.m., Orchard Room
Wildlife photographer Joan Sparks will take you on a journey to see raptors.
16
MILPITAS -- 160 N. Main Street
Homework Help for K-9th Grade
Monday-Thursday through December, 3:30 – 5 p.m.
Academic coaches from the Bay Area Tutoring Association can provide help in English, history,
math and science. No registration required. Walk-ins welcome as space allows.
Day of the Dead Craft (Grades K-5)
Tuesday, November 1, 3:30 – 4:30 p.m., Activity Room
All materials will be provided. Please register for this event.
Family Storytime
Wednesdays & Saturdays, November 2, 5, 9, 12, 16 & 19, 10:15 – 10:45 a.m., Activity Room
This storytime series is suitable for all ages and will feature stories, songs, and end with a short
book-based movie. Due to limited space, we will begin handing out free tickets 15 minutes prior
to storytime. They can be picked up at the Children’s Help Desk. Tickets are first come, first
served.
Spanish Club for Grades K-3
Thursday, November 3, 3:30 – 4:30 p.m., Activity Room
The K-3 Spanish Club will learn about Mexican Amate Painting. All materials will be provided.
Knit & Crochet Circle
Fridays, November 4, 11, & 18, 2 – 4 p.m., Conference Room
Stop by and meet other yarn lovers while working on your latest project, get help when you are
stuck and share ideas. Instruction available in English, Hindi, Punjabi and Guajarati.
Chinese Club for Grades K-3
Thursday, November 10, 3:30 – 4:30 p.m., Activity Room
Celebrate the Chinese culture with us as we explore the history, art and culture of Chinese
brush painting and writing with pen brushes/ink and watercolors. All materials will be provided.
Please register.
Flamenco Concert
Sunday, November 13, 2 – 3 p.m., Auditorium
The students of Sara Ayala present a flamenco recital with guest artist David Gutierrez on
guitar.
Sing-Along for Adults
Tuesday, November 15, 7 – 8 p.m., Auditorium
Kim Van will lead on keyboard as the audience sings along to a selection of favorite songs.
17
Milpitas Library Book Discussion Group
Wednesday, November 16, 7:30 – 8:30 p.m., Auditorium
We will be discussing My Sister, The Serial Killer by Oyinkan Braithwaite. Please register.
Pop Art Dino Craft (Grades 1-5)
Friday, November 18, 3:30 – 4:30 p.m., Activity Room
Make a colorful, dynamic pop-art inspired dinosaur collage. All materials will be provided.
Dino Escape Room (Grades 3-8)
Tuesday, November 22, 3:30 – 4:30 p.m., Activity Room
Visit the Dino Escape Room, solve clues and puzzles before the time runs out and win a prize.
Please register.
Puppet Art Theater
Tuesday, November 22, 7 – 7:45 p.m., Auditorium
Enjoy a performance of Jack and the Beanstack. Space is limited. Free tickets are available at
the Children’s Help Desk 30 minutes before the show starts.
Reading Buddies
Saturday, November 26, 2 – 3 p.m., Activity Room
Children in grades K-5 can buddy up with a furry friend and read one-on-one from a favorite
book.
Book Club for 2nd and 3rd Grades
Tuesday, November 29, 3:30 – 4:30 p.m., Activity Room
We will discuss Rise of the Earth Dragon by Tracey West. Please register online then pick up
your copy at the Children’s Desk.
MORGAN HILL -- 660 W. Main Avenue
Snack Break
Mondays-Thursdays through May, 3 -- 4 p.m. (except during school breaks)
Free afterschool snacks available for kids 0-18 while supplies last. No registration
necessary.
LEGO Club
Tuesdays, November 1, 8, 15, 22, & 29, 3 – 4 p.m.
Use LEGOs to build whatever you want, or based on our weekly theme. Creations will be
displayed until our next meeting. LEGOs available for ages 2+. No registration required.
18
Safe Space Meeting for LGBTQ+ Youth
Tuesdays, November 1 & 15, 4 – 6 p.m.
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.
First Tuesday Knit-In
Tuesday, November 1, 6:30 – 8:45 p.m., Large Program Room
All knitters welcome! New knitters can get advice and assistance while advanced knitters can
share their knowledge.
After Dinner Book Club
Tuesday, November 1, 7:30 – 8:45 p.m., Small Program Room
We will be discussing Parts 4 & 5 of The Invention of Nature by Andrea Wulf.
Fall Book Bingo
Through November 30
Pick up a Fall Book bingo card, and read five books that correspond to the boxes on the card to
make a bingo. Return your card by November 30 to be entered into a drawing for a gift card.
Family Storytime
Thursdays, November 3, 10, & 17, 10:15 – 10:45 a.m., Outside Lawn
Join us for stories, music, movement and more!
Bilingual Family Storytime
Saturdays, November 5, 12, 19, & 26, 10:15 – 10:45 a.m., Outside Lawn
Join us for stories, music, movement and more. Storytimes will be in Spanish and English.
Author Visit
Saturday, November 5, 2 – 3 p.m., Community Room
We welcome author Marlene Anne Bumgarner. Follow her journey coping with the changes of
rural life as Silicon Valley evolves into the high-tech center it is today.
Science Experiments for Kids
Saturday, November 5, 3 – 5 p.m., Children’s Activity Room
We will be creating things like slime, volcanoes and oobleck.
Bike Repair Clinic for Kids
Sunday, November 6, 1 – 5 p.m.
Join us for a free, mobile, hands-on repair clinic. BikeMobile can fix most broken parts like flat
tires, brakes and shifters. Kids bikes get priority. First come, first served. Space is limited.
19
Library Ukulele Society
Tuesday, November 15, 5 – 7 p.m.
Bring your uke and music stand or come to listen and sing along! No registration required.
SARATOGA -- 13650 Saratoga Avenue
Family Storytime for All Ages
Tuesdays, November 1, 18, 15, 22 & 29, 11 – 11:30 a.m., Outdoor Patio next to Friends’ Café
Fridays, November 4, 11 & 18, 11 – 11:30 a.m., Outdoor Patio next to Friends’ Café
Join us for stories, rhymes, fingerplays and songs. Because seating is limited, please line up
along the wall of displayed art.
Homework Help for K-9th Grade
Mondays-Thursdays through December, 3:30 – 5 p.m.
Academic coaches from the Bay Area Tutoring Association can provide help in English, history,
math and science. No registration required. Walk-ins welcome as space allows.
Science Fun (Grades 1-6)
Saturdays, November 12 & 19, and Sunday, November 13, 10 a.m. – 12 p.m., Community Room
Have educational fun with the Saratoga High Robotics Club and learn scientific concepts by
creating things like erupting volcanoes, artificial clouds, slime, rainbow walking water and ice
cream magic. Limited seating. First come, first served.
Kids STEM Hovercraft (Grades 3+)
Tuesday, November 15, 4 – 5 p.m., Community Room
Make a hovercraft that can stay afloat using air power. No registration necessary. First come,
first served until all seats are required.
Craft for All Ages
Wednesday, November 16, 4 – 5 p.m., Community Room
Join us as we make dream catchers with a CD or paper plate, yarn, beads and feathers.
International Games Month
Tuesday, November 29, 4 – 5 p.m., Community Room
Join us for family Bingo!
WOODLAND – 1975 Grant Road
Redwood Tree Presentation and Craft
Sunday, November 6, 11:30 a.m. – 12 p.m.
School-aged children and their families are invited to a brief presentation on the importance of
redwood trees. Afterwards, we will create an origami fact-finder related to redwoods.
20
Dinovember Family Storytime
Sunday, November 13, 11:30 a.m. – 12 p.m.
Join us in the backyard for stories and songs about dinosaurs.
ONLINE EVENTS (Please register online)
November Reading Challenge
Begins Tuesday, November 1
Join our Beanstack challenge! The theme is Family Stories. Let’s read and learn about histories
and stories passed down from generations.
Ramses the Great & the Gold of the Pharaohs
Tuesday, November 1, 7 – 8 p.m.
Take a virtual tour of the new exhibit at the de Young Museum: Ramses the Great & the Gold
of the Pharaohs. Learn about the most celebrated and powerful pharaoh of the New Kingdom
and explore the marvelous treasures in the exhibit, including sculptures and jewelry.
Online English Conversation Club
Wednesdays, November 2, 9, & 16, 6 – 7:30 p.m.
Thursdays, November 3, 10, & 17, 11 a.m. – 12:15 p.m.
Meet new friends and practice English together.
Reading Program Orientation
Wednesday, November 9, 1 – 2 p.m. and 5 – 6 p.m.
Learn what it takes to be a literacy tutor and help other adults who want to improve their
reading, writing and speaking skills. No prior experience necessary. Email
readingprogram@sccl.org to register.
Virtual Trivia Night
Monday, November 14, 6 – 7 p.m.
Questions will cover a variety of categories including movies/TV, music, literature, food, sports
and more.
College Prep Workshop
Tuesday, November 15, 5 – 6 p.m.
A consultant with FLEX College Prep will show you how to build your extracurricular activities
profile to help your college application stand out.
Online Bookshare
Tuesday, November 22, 7 – 8 p.m.
Let’s talk about books! Share what you are reading and get recommendations.
21
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
December 2022
Library Stakeholder Report
Jennifer Weeks, County Librarian
Looking Back on 2022
Life in the library has moved ahead to a new normal
in 2022 after the challenges of the previous years
caused by COVID-19. It is wonderful to see children
once again enjoying in-person storytime, groups
gathering for Conversation Clubs, and major exhibits
happening at our libraries for patrons of every age.
We kicked off the year with Silicon Valley Reads,
where we celebrated “The Power of Kindness, Resilience & Hope” that featured inspiring stories
and lots of virtual options, reaching over 10,000 people countywide.
SCCLD Libraries helped to keep everyone healthy. Every community library, in partnership with Santa
Clara County Supervisor Joe Simitian, distributed thousands of Rapid Antigen tests and masks in
February to help keep COVID-19 transmission rates down. We also expanded our BookDash program
to all of our service area so that those who are unable to make it to one of our libraries due to health or
disability issues can obtain the items they wish delivered to their door.
This summer many of us chose to “Read Beyond the Beaten Path.” W onderful events took place at our
libraries, ranging from magic shows and animal encounters, to museum talks and author talks.
In an effort to better connect Library patrons with key County and other services, a Community Outreach
Specialist now works out of the Milpitas Library and Ochoa Migrant Center in Gilroy. This role supports
our goal that modern libraries be an active partner in local communities.
Our Distinguished Authors Series speakers captivated their audiences with personal stories about
their experiences and inspirations for their major works. Starting with Emmy-Award journalist Emily
Chang and the discussion of sexism in Silicon Valley, to the limitless genre writing of author Silvia
Moreno-Garcia, and finally the physically and intellectually nourishing insights from Dr. Daphne Miller
about how to build a healthier and more resilient food system, our special guests did not disappoint.
The Panel Discussion with labor pioneer Dolores Huerta (more on event below) was a huge success,
with a capacity crowd at the Wheeler Center in Gilroy. The associated Smithsonian Institution Traveling
Exhibitions Services exhibit at Gilroy Library will be open through Monday, January 23, 2023. If you had
not had a chance yet to see it, consider making plans.
2023 is shaping up to be a busy year, with the Library District set to share its vision for the next half-
decade. More to come on that soon! Wishing everyone a happy and safe holiday season.
22
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
New Reading Challenge
Winter is a great time to cozy up with a good book.
Throughout December and January, explore
booklists and activities all based around the
frostiest time of year. Check out our booklists for
adults, teens, and children, and find a winter read
that speaks to you! Then, explore activities related
to various services the library has to offer. Sign up
starting on December 1 here.
Woodland Library Offers Patrons Extra
Service Hours with New Pilot Program
Woodland Library patrons who sign up for a new self-
service program will be able to access the library a full
three hours earlier on Sundays, Tuesdays, and Thursdays.
All they need to do is sign up at the Woodland Library front
desk. Then, on their next visit scan their library card on a
new security panel (on far right of photo) and they can
enter to browse Woodland’s collection as early as 8 am.
This idea came from feedback from library users.
Huerta Panel Event & Gilroy Library Exhibit
Approximately 600 people attended a one of its kind event
on Saturday, November 12 put on by Gilroy Library with
help from the South County Youth Task Force, City of
Gilroy Parks and Rec, and Latino Family Fund. A panel
featuring labor icon Dolores Huerta as well as Santa Clara
University instructor and author Francisco Jiménez (The
Circuit: Stories from the Life of a Migrant Child) and
actor and film director Luis Valdez (Teatro Campesino, La
Bamba) discussed their roles in the fight for equality for
farmworkers and the Latino community more broadly.
The accompanying exhibit, Dolores Huerta: Revolution in the Fields/Revolución en los Campos, is
at Gilroy Library through Monday, January 23, 2023. The exhibit was organized by the Smithsonian
Institution Traveling Exhibition Service in collaboration with the Smithsonian’s National Portrait Gallery
and received federal support from the Latino Initiatives Pool, administered by the Smithsonian Latino
Center. For those who missed the panel discussion, a recording is available on our website.
23
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
We Are Not Strangers Exhibit at Milpitas Library
While many Californians know about the history of migration by
African Americans from the South to cities in the state, fewer are
aware about the many black farmers, ranchers and rural
residents who came to the state since the 1949 Gold Rush.
A new traveling exhibit at Milpitas Library titled We Are Not
Strangers Here: African American Histories in Rural
California seeks to share stories about some of these families.
Patrons can find it in the Milpitas Library Courtyard through
Wednesday, January 4, 2023.
We Are Not Strangers Here is a collaboration between the Cal Ag Roots Project at the California
Institute for Rural Studies, Susan Anderson of the California African American Museum, the California
Historical Society, Exhibit Envoy, and Dr. Caroline Collins of UC San Diego. The exhibit is supported by
a series of podcasts available on SoundCloud.
The Library Can Help You Buy Smart
Before you make any large purchases for the
holidays, make sure to check out the latest issue
of Consumer Reports for product reviews and
ratings, available for free with your library account.
The Library also carries current issues of Consumer
Reports Buying Guide and AARP: The Magazine. Find these publications using our free eResource, Flipster.
Also check out the Bay Area Consumers' Checkbook for additional help.
24
SANTA CLARA COUNTY LIBRARY
DISTRICT DECEMBER 2022 EVENTS
Note: All libraries will be closed and services unavailable
on Sunday and Monday, December 25 & 26 for Christmas.
Libraries will close at 5 p.m. on Saturdays, December 24 & 31.
CAMPBELL EXPRESS LIBRARY – 1 West Campbell Avenue, Room 46
Adult Christmas Crafts
Tuesday, December 6, 6:30 – 7:30 p.m., Orchard City Banquet Hall
Join us for this craft program to use affordable or recycled materials to make cool Christmas
stuff. Materials will be provided but you are welcome to bring some also, like origami paper,
scraps of cotton fabric and wrapping ribbon. Please register.
Indoor Storytime for Kids 0-5
Wednesdays, December 7 & 14, 10:30 – 11 a.m., Orchard City Banquet Hall
Join us for stories, songs, and more! Please bring a blanket or towel to sit on. No registration
required.
CUPERTINO -- 10800 Torre Avenue
Storytime for 3-5s
Thursdays, December 1, 8, & 15, 10:30 – 11 a.m., Room 101
This storytime is suitable kids ages 3-5 years old, and will feature stories, songs, rhymes and
dances that encourage the development of early literacy skills. Storytime is limited to the first
100 families.
Homework Help for K-9th Grade
Monday-Thursday through December 15, 3:30 – 5 p.m.
Academic coaches from the Bay Area Tutoring Association can provide help in English, history,
math and science. No registration required. Walk-ins welcome as space allows.
Family Storytime
Saturdays, December 3, 10, & 17, 10:30 – 11 a.m., Room 101
This storytime is suitable for all ages and will feature stories, songs, rhymes and dances that
encourage the development of early literacy skills. Storytime is limited to the first 100 families.
25
Teen Holiday Craft (Ages 12-18)
Saturday, December 3, 2 – 3 p.m., Room 201 A
Decorate your own tote bag to use or give as a gift. Register online.
Storytime for Babies
Mondays, December 5, 12, & 19, 10:30 – 11 a.m., Room 101A
This storytime features stories and songs that encourage the development of early literacy
skills. Storytime is limited to the first 25 babies with a maximum of 2 adults per family.
Storytime for 1s and 2s
Tuesdays, December 6 & 13, 10:30 – 11 a.m., Room 101
This storytime is suitable kids ages 1-2 years old, and will feature stories, songs, rhymes and
dances that encourage the development of early literacy skills. Storytime is limited to the first
100 families.
ESL Conversation Club
Tuesdays, December 6 & 13, 10:30 a.m. – 12 p.m., Room 201A
Practice your English conversation skills with friends. This program is for adults who speak basic
English. Please register online.
Baby Wearing Dance
Wednesdays, December 7 & 14, 10:30 – 11 a.m., Room 101
New and expectant moms are invited to learn fun dances while wearing or holding your baby
and take care of yourself while bonding with your little one. Bring a water bottle.
Evening Storytime
Wednesdays, December 7 & 14, 7 – 7:30 p.m., Room 101
This storytime series is suitable for all ages and will feature stories, songs, rhymes and dances.
Please bring a yoga mat or blanket to sit on. Storytime is limited to the first 100 families.
Cupertino Library Adult Book Discussion
Thursday, December 15, 7 – 8:30 p.m., Room 201 A
We will discuss Matrix by Lauren Groff.
GILROY -- 350 W. Sixth Street
Storytime
Thursdays, December 1, 8, 15, 22, & 29, 10:30 – 11 a.m., Ground Floor Children’s Activity Room
Join us for stories, songs and more. Space is limited.
26
Knitting & Crochet Weekly Meetup
Thursdays, December 1, 8, 15, 22, & 29, 1 – 4 p.m., Upstairs Quiet Study B
Bring your projects, ask questions, receive help and meet new people! No registration
necessary.
Snack Break for Kids
Mondays-Fridays through December 16, 3 -4 p.m., Pick up near Accounts Desk
Kids ages 18 and under are welcomed to pick up an afterschool snack, while supplies last.
No registration necessary.
Homework Help for K-9th Grade
Monday-Thursday through December 15, 3:30 – 5 p.m.
Academic coaches from the Bay Area Tutoring Association can provide help in English, history,
math and science. No registration required. Walk-ins welcome as space allows.
Book Discussion
Friday, December 2, 10:15 – 11:15 a.m., Upstairs Quiet Study B
We will be discussing The House in the Cerulean Sea by T.J. Klune. Registration is encouraged in
case we need to contact you with any updates.
Medi-Cal Workshop and Enrollment Help
Wednesdays, December 7 & 14, 3 – 5 p.m., Upstairs Computer Training Lab
Learn about Medi-Cal and enroll with your driver’s license or ID, paystub, and federal income
tax return. Help available in English and Spanish. Register online.
Open Poetry Readings with Garlicky Group of Poets
Saturday, December 10, 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, December 13, 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.
27
LOS ALTOS -- 13 S. San Antonio Road
ESL Conversation Club
Thursdays, December 1, 8, 15, 22 & 29, 1:30 – 3 p.m.
Practice your English conversation skills with friends. This program is for adults who speak basic
English. No registration needed.
Homework Help for K-9th Grade
Monday-Thursday through December 15, 3:30 – 5 p.m.
Academic coaches from the Bay Area Tutoring Association can provide help in English, history,
math and science. No registration required. Walk-ins welcome as space allows.
Bilingual Spanish Storytime
Fridays, December 2, 9, 16, 23, & 30, 10:30 – 11 a.m., Orchard Room
Join us for stories, songs and movements in Spanish and English. Due to limited space, free
tickets will be handed out 30 minutes before the program. Tickets are first come, first served.
Baby Sign Time with Miss Stefanie
Saturday, December 3, 10:30 – 11 a.m., Orchard Room
Babies under a year old and their grownups are welcome to sing songs and learn signs to share
with your baby. Please bring a blanket for your baby.
Indoor Family Storytime
Tuesdays, December 6, 13, 20, & 27, 10:30 – 11 a.m., and 11 – 11:30 a.m., Orchard Room
Join us for an interactive storytime featuring songs, stories and fingerplays. Free tickets will be
given out 30 minutes prior to the event. A second storytime will be held at 11 a.m. to
accommodate those who weren’t able to attend the 10:30 storytime.
Winter Writer’s Night
Tuesday, December 6, 7 – 8:30 p.m., Orchard Room
This is a casual space for adults and teens to work on their own writing projects. We may have
some musical ambience, writing prompts available and time for sharing.
The Whodunit? Mystery Book Club
Wednesday, December 7, 10:15 – 11:30 a.m., Teen Room
We will be discussing Extraordinary People by Peter May.
28
Teen Game Day
Wednesdays, December 7, 14, 21, & 28, 3 – 4:30 p.m., Teen Room
Hang out and enjoy board games and puzzles with friends. We will also have a TV available for
gaming.
World Affairs: Climate Change
Wednesday, December 7, 7 – 8:30 p.m., Orchard Room
Join us for an evening discussion with Mark Z. Jacobsen, Director of the Atmosphere/Energy
Program and Professor of Civil and Environmental Engineering at Stanford University.
Meet the Artist Reception
Thursday, December 8, 7 – 8:30 p.m., Orchard Room
Are you enjoying the December Art Show in the Los Altos Library? Meet the artist at our
opening reception for a Solo Exhibition of New Works by Matthew Harris.
DIY Wreath Making Workshop
Friday, December 9, 1 – 2 p.m., Orchard Room
We will provide greenery and basic supplies. Please bring a wire clothes hanger or wreath form,
as well as any extra decorations you would like, including pinecones, bows and ribbons. Please
register.
Puppet Show
Saturday, December 10, 2 – 2:30 p.m., Orchard Room
Fratello Marionettes present “The North Pole Review,” a music-based puppet show. Free
tickets will be handed out at the Children’s Desk 30 minutes before the performance. Space is
limited.
Author Visit
Saturday, December 10, 5 – 6 p.m.
Lindsay Ellis will discuss her books, Axiom’s End and Truth of the Divine.
Page Turners Book Club for Grades 4-6
Thursday, December 15, 4 – 5 p.m., Orchard Room
We are discussing El Deafo by Cece Bell. Please register then stop by the Children’s Reference
Desk to check out a copy of the book.
LibraryTECHTalk
Friday, December 16, 4 – 5 p.m., Orchard Room
Learn how to use NoveList Plus Book Recommendations to find your next great read.
29
Bay Area Games Day
Saturday, December 17, 10 a.m. – 8 p.m., Orchard Room
Stop by and learn how to play a new board game or bring an old favorite.
Book Bugs Club for 2nd and 3rd Grade Readers
Tuesday, December 20, 4 – 5 p.m., Orchard Room
We will discuss Please Write in This Book by Mary Amato. Please register at the desk in the
Children’s Room. Space is limited.
Purrfect Cats with Joan Sparks
Tuesday, December 20, 7 – 8 p.m., Orchard Room
Wildlife photographer Joan Sparks will share photos of big cats, such as lions, tigers, and snow
leopards.
Group Games Afternoon
Thursday, December 29, 3:30 – 4:30 p.m., Orchard Room
Join us for games like How’s Yours? Four Corners, Look and Scream, and more. Children is
grades K+ are welcomed to attend.
Noon Year’s Eve Party
Saturday, December 31, 11 a.m. – 12:15 p.m., Orchard Room
We will have music, activities and a countdown at noon. Wear your best outfit for a family
photo and use our photo props. Registration is not required.
MILPITAS -- 160 N. Main Street
We Are Not Strangers Here Exhibit
Open during library hours until January 4, 2023, Milpitas Library Courtyard
Explore the unknown and untold stories of Black farmers, rangers and rural residents from the
1849 Gold Rush to now.
Winter Reading Bingo
Starting December 1
Pick up a Bingo car at the Children’s Help Desk. Read at least four books to make a bingo, and
return your card between January 3-10, 2023.
Homework Help for K-9th Grade
Monday-Thursday through December 15, 3:30 – 5 p.m.
Academic coaches from the Bay Area Tutoring Association can provide help in English, history,
math and science. No registration required. Walk-ins welcome as space allows.
30
Spanish Club for Grades K-3
Thursday, December 1, 3:30 – 4:15 p.m., Activity Room
Stop by and create your very own piñata! All materials will be provided, while supplies last.
Knit & Crochet Circle
Fridays, December 2, 9, 16, 23 & 30, 2 – 4 p.m., Conference Room
Stop by and meet other yarn lovers while working on your latest project, get help when you are
stuck and share ideas. Instruction available in English, Hindi, Punjabi and Guajarati.
LGBTQ Older Adult Social Space
Friday, December 2, 4:30 – 6:30 p.m., Conference Room
Socialize over some board games, card games and snacks.
Winter Magic Show
Saturday, December 3, 11 – 11:45 a.m., Auditorium
Magician Mike Della Penna will delight us with a show inspired by winter.
Elf Interactive Movie Matinee
Saturday, December 3, 2 – 4 p.m., Children’s Activity Room
Join us for this holiday classic with a twist. The movie is rated PG. Common Sense Media
recommends this movie for kids ages 7+.
Pup Meet & Greet for Teens
Sunday, December 4, 2 – 3:30 p.m., Children’s Activity Room
Take a study break and de-stress with some furry friends. For ages 12-18.
Tiny Toots Concert
Wednesday, December 7, 10:30 – 11:15 a.m., Auditorium
Join us for a fun concert for toddlers and preschoolers featuring children’s musician Laura
Weinbach from Little Folkies.
Chinese Club for Grades K-3
Thursday, December 8, 3:30 – 4:30 p.m., Auditorium
Come learn and celebrate the Chinese culture with us. We will be doing an activity/craft.
Program will be in English and Chinese. All materials will be provided.
31
Holiday Crafting Fair for Adults
Sunday, December 11, 2 – 3:30 p.m.
Join us for holiday card making, wood slice ornaments and magnets. This program is for people
ages 18+.
Holiday Crafts for Grades 2-8
Tuesday, December 13, 3:30 – 4:30 p.m., Activity Room
Join us to create different holiday decorations. All supplies will be provided. Please register.
Tiny Toots Concert
Wednesday, December 14, 10:30 – 11:15 a.m., Auditorium
Join us for a fun concert for toddlers and preschoolers featuring children’s musician Kathleen
Rushing, also known as Bingo Schmingo.
Teen Paint Party
Saturday, December 17, 1 – 2:30 p.m., Auditorium
We’re hosting a non-guided paint party, meaning there won’t be any instructions. We will
provide the canvas and paints. Registration required.
Reading Buddies
Saturday, December 17, 2 – 3 p.m., Activity Room
Children in grades K-5 can buddy up with a furry friend and read one-on-one from a favorite
book.
Family Movie Matinee
Monday, December 19, 11 a.m. – 12:30 p.m., Activity Room
Join us for a showing of Lyle, Lyle Crocodile.
2nd & 3rd Grade Book Club
Tuesday, December 20, 3:30 – 4:30 p.m., Activity Room
We will be discussing Stink: The Incredible Shrinking Kid by Megan McDonald. Please register
and pick up your copy of the book at the Children’s Desk.
Special Performance: The Puppet Company
Tuesday, December 20, 7 – 7:45 p.m., Auditorium
The Puppet Company presents a performance of The Nutcracker. Space is limited. Free tickets
are available at the Children’s Help Desk 30 minutes before the show starts.
32
Noon Year’s Eve Party
Saturday, December 31, 11:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m., Auditorium
We will have music, activities and a countdown at noon.
MORGAN HILL -- 660 W. Main Avenue
Family Storytime
Thursdays, December 1, 8, 15, 22 & 29, 10:15 – 10:45 a.m., Outside Lawn
Join us for stories, music, movement and more!
Snack Break
Mondays-Thursdays through December 22, 3 -- 4 p.m.
Free afterschool snacks available for kids ages 0-18 while supplies last. No registration
necessary.
Homework Help for K-9th Grade
Monday-Thursday through December 15, 3:30 – 5 p.m.
Academic coaches from the Bay Area Tutoring Association can provide help in English, history,
math and science. No registration required. Walk-ins welcome as space allows.
Baby Sign Language
Fridays, December 2, 9, & 16, 11:30 a.m. – 12 p.m., Children’s Activity Room
Learning to sign provides you with the opportunity to understand your baby’s wants and needs
before they are able to speak.
Bilingual Family Storytime
Saturdays, December 3, 10, & 17, 10:15 – 10:45 a.m., Outside Lawn
Join us for stories, music, movement and more. Storytimes will be in Spanish and English.
Chanukah Olive Press & Menorah Workshop
Sunday, December 4, 3 – 4:30 p.m., Community Room
Presented by the Chabad South County Jewish Center, learn how to create oil from olives using
an authentic oil press, and build your very own menorah. All supplies will be provided.
Registration required.
LEGO Club
Tuesdays, December 6, 13, 20, & 27, 3 – 4 p.m.
Use LEGOs to build whatever you want, or based on our weekly theme. Creations will be
displayed until our next meeting. LEGOs available for ages 2+. No registration required.
33
First Tuesday Knit-In
Tuesday, December 6, 6:30 – 8:45 p.m., Large Program Room
All knitters welcome! New knitters can get advice and assistance while advanced knitters can
share their knowledge.
After Dinner Book Club
Tuesday, December 6, 7:30 – 8:45 p.m., Small Program Room
We will be discussing The Wizard of Oz by L. Frank Baum.
Wreath Decorating
Wednesday, December 7, 3 – 4:30 p.m., Children’s Activity Room
Decorate your own silk wreath. Wreath and supplies are free, while supplies last. One wreath
per person.
Mexican Tin Art
Sunday, December 11, 2:30 – 3:30 p.m., Community Room
Join us for a brief history and presentation of the art of Mexican Tin and make a Milagro. Please
register.
DIY Holiday Cards
Monday, December 12, 4:30 – 5:45 p.m., Meeting Room
Teens and adults are invited to drop in and create handmade holiday cards. All materials will be
supplied, no registration required.
Special Event: Holiday Puppet Show
Thursday, December 15, 10:15 – 11 a.m., Children’s Activity Room
Puppet Art Theatre presents Holiday Little Red Riding Hood.
Special Event: Holiday Puppet Show
Saturday, December 17, 10:15 – 11 a.m., Children’s Activity Room
Puppet Art Theatre presents Holiday Jack and the Beanstalk.
Library Ukulele Society
Tuesday, December 20, 5 – 7 p.m.
Bring your uke and music stand or come to listen and sing along! No registration required.
34
SARATOGA -- 13650 Saratoga Avenue
Homework Help for K-9th Grade
Monday-Thursday through December 15, 3:30 – 5 p.m.
Academic coaches from the Bay Area Tutoring Association can provide help in English, history,
math and science. No registration required. Walk-ins welcome as space allows.
Family Storytime for All Ages
Fridays, December 2, 9, 16, 23 & 30, 11 – 11:30 a.m., Outdoor Patio next to Friends’ Café
Tuesdays, December 6, 13, 20, & 27, 11 – 11:30 a.m., Outdoor Patio next to Friends’ Café
Join us for stories, rhymes, fingerplays and songs. Because seating is limited, please line up
along the wall of displayed art.
Winter Craft: Toys for Pets
Tuesday, December 6, 4 – 5 p.m., Community Room
Stop by and make toys for pets! You can give them to your furry friends, or we can donate them
to a local shelter. No registration necessary.
Family Bingo
Friday, December 9, 4 – 5 p.m., Community Room
Our Bingo theme for December is winter. Space is limited, first come, first served.
Trivia Challenge for Grades 3-8
Saturday, December 10, 11 a.m. – 12 p.m., Community Room
Test your trivia in topics like Bay Area sports, California animals, famous people, library
questions, literary characters and more. Registration is required.
STEM Activity
Tuesday, December 13, 4 – 5 p.m., Community Room
School aged children are invited to compete in candy-related STEM challenges.
Teatime Book Chatter
Thursday, December 15, 1 – 2 p.m.
We will be discussing Convenience Store Woman by Sayaka Murata. Please visit the Adult
Reference Desk to register and pick up a copy of the book.
SF Bay Birds Observatory
Saturday, December 17, 11 a.m. – 12 p.m., Parking Lot
Learn about the different ducks who live in the Bay Area. While this program is recommended
for children 6-12 years old and their families, all are welcomed! No registration required.
35
WOODLAND – 1975 Grant Road
Joyful Family Storytime
Sunday, December 11, 11:30 a.m. – 12 p.m., Backyard
Join us for stories, songs, fingerplays and fun.
ONLINE EVENTS (Please register online)
Online English Conversation Club
Thursdays, December 1, 8, & 15, 11 a.m. – 12:15 p.m.
Meet new friends and practice English together.
Online ESL Book Club
Friday, December 2, 4 – 5 p.m.,
We will be discussing The Maid by Nita Prose.
Virtual Trivia Night
Monday, December 12, 6 – 7 p.m.
Test your holiday movie and music trivia!
Online Bookshare
Tuesday, December 27, 7 – 8 p.m.
Share your latest read and get recommendations for your next great read.
36
Saratoga Library Report
December 2022
Nichole King, Community Librarian
Month # of Borrowers # of Check-Ins # of Checkouts Gate Count # of programs Program Attendance
SEPT 8419 50559 49777 23713 39 1244
OCT 8074 48801 48744 23422 48 1502
OCT 21 7654 47358 48455 16657*
*not open Sundays
Upcoming Winter Programs:
Children’s Programs:
We are adding 2 new monthly storytimes in Spanish and Mandarin starting in January.
We are also doing weekly class visits for local schools.
Family Bingo: Winter
Friday, December 9, 2022 4:00PM – 5:00PM
Please join us for our monthly Family Bingo program in December with a special Winter theme.
Bring the whole family, all ages are welcome
Trivia Challenge for 3rd - 8th Grade
Saturday, December 10, 2022 11:00AM – 12:00PM
Test your trivia mettle by battling against top competition on the following topics:
Bay Area Sports
CA Animals
37
Famous People
Geography
Graphic Novels
Idioms
Library Questions
Literary Characters
A mystery prize will be awarded to the victor.
Registration is required. Please cancel your registration if a schedule conflict arises.
Candy Challenge-STEM Activity
Tuesday, December 13, 2022 4:00PM – 5:00PM
School aged kids are invited to compete in a couple of candy related STEM challenges.
SF Bay Birds Observatory
Saturday, December 17, 2022 11:00AM – 12:00PM
Did you know the Bay Area is home to many different kinds of ducks? Come learn about a few of these ducks and what
makes them different in this interactive program presented by the San Francisco Bay Bird Observatory. Recommended
for children 6-12 and their families, but all are welcome!
Teen and Adult Programs:
Teen Study Hall
Sunday, December 11, 18 and 19 2022 10:00AM – 5:45PM
Teens: are you studying for finals? The community room of the Saratoga Library is reserved for just you and your friends
to study. Join us for as long as you want to while the library is open, with your friends or by yourself.
38
Photography program: Inspirational Moments
Thursday, January 12, 2023 10:30AM – 11:30AM
Join wildlife photographer, Joan Sparks on her adventure capturing inspirational moments with her camera from the top
of the Golden Gate Bridge, to soaring vistas of Canada, to the swamps of the Amazon Jungle. Blooms from around the
world, brown bears from Cook’s Inlet and other animals featured through her lens round out the program. This event is
in-person at the Saratoga Library.
Upcoming Lunar New Year Celebration in January 14th:
14-Jan-23 10 to 10:50 AM Taichi & Qigong
14-Jan-23 11:15 to 12:00 Guzheng
14-Jan-23 1:00 PM Firebirds Youth Orchestra
14-Jan-23 2:00 PM Rising Phoenix Lion Dance
14-Jan-23 3:00 PM Post-it Craft
39
Library & Community Engagement Commission
December 5, 2022
CITY OF SARATOGA
Memorandum
To: Library & Community Engagement Commission
From: Crystal Bothelio, Assistant City Manager
Date: December 5, 2022
Subject: Commission Report
City of Saratoga Hybrid Brown Act Meetings
At the October 5, 2022 meeting, the City Council directed staff to provide Council Members
Commissioners, and the public with the choice to participate in meetings in-person or
remotely starting with the City Council Regular Session on November 2, 2022. Consequently,
Commissioners will have the opportunity to attend the December 5, 2022 meeting in person
at City Hall or through Zoom. Commissioner guidelines for hybrid meetings are attached.
Housing Element – December 7 Meeting
The California Department of Housing and Community Development (HCD) conducted its
preliminary review and provided feedback on the initial draft of Saratoga's 2023 -2031
Housing Element. At the City Council meeting on December 7, the Council will review draft
responses to HCD's comments. These responses will detail changes to be implemented in
the Housing Element and will be available for community review when the December 7
meeting agenda is published by the end of this week. The community can provide input on
the draft responses by submitting written comments to the Council, attending the meeting
in person, or joining the meeting virtually using
Zoom. Visit www.saratoga.ca.us/housing for
more information.
Celebration of Light – December 10
Join the Saratoga Ministerial Association to
build community and celebrate the diversity of
Saratoga with light—a symbol of hope, joy, and
faith across cultures during the Celebration of
Light on December 10 at 5:30 p.m. in Blaney
Plaza.
40
Library & Community Engagement Commission
December 5, 2022
City Council Reorganization – December 13
Join the City for the annual City Council Reorganization on December 13 at 7:00 p.m. in
person in the Civic Theater or remotely through Zoom. During the Reorganization, outgoing
City Council Members will be recognized, newly elected City Council Members will be sworn
in, the outgoing Mayor will be acknowledged, and a new Mayor and Vice Mayor will be
selected.
41
Council & Commissions Hybrid
Meeting Guidelines
November 1, 2022
ABOUT THE GUIDELINES
At the October 5, 2022 meeting, the City Council directed staff to provide Council Members
Commissioners, and the public with the choice to participate in meetings in-person or
remotely starting with the City Council Regular Session on November 2, 2022. The City will
continue using Zoom for remote participation. This document serves as a set of guidelines
for Council Members and Commissioners participating in hybrid meetings. The guidelines
will be revised as hybrid meeting practices are refined.
BROWN ACT & AB 361
The Brown Act establishes several requirements for members of the Council or a
Commission to participate in a meeting by teleconference. Requirements include:
• Posting teleconference locations on the agenda
• Providing public access to the meeting at the teleconference location
• Posting the agenda at the teleconference location in accordance with Brown Act
posting deadlines
AB 361 suspends these rules 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. Meetings may continue to be held under the streamlined rules of AB
361 if the emergency declaration expires so long as social distancing continues to be
required or recommended by a state or local public health official, and if the City Council has
taken action to reconfirm findings pursuant to AB 361 every 30 days.
HYBRID MEETING LOCATIONS
The Civic Theater and Linda Callon Conference Room are equipped with technology needed
for hybrid meetings. To the extent possible, meetings should be scheduled in the Civic
Theater or Linda Callon Conference Room. If meetings must be scheduled at other locations,
the meeting will not include the option for remote participation. For example, site visits will
be conducted entirely in-person.
CIVIC THEATER
Microphones
Attendees in the Civic Theater must speak into a live microphone to ensure that in-person
and remote attendees can hear meeting proceedings. Meeting attendees in the Civic Theater
seated at the dais will have the option to turn their microphone on and off. Those at the dais
are advised to leave their microphone off unless speaking. The microphone at the podium
will remain on throughout the meeting.
42
City Council & Commissions Hybrid Meeting Guidelines | November 1, 2022
Page 2
Pledge of Allegiance
The Mayor or Chair will lead the Pledge of Allegiance (unless other arrangements have been
made) for meetings held in the Civic Theater.
In-Person Mayor or Chair: If the Mayor or Chair is participating in the meeting in-person,
they should start the Pledge of Allegiance by using the wireless microphone to ask the
audience to please rise for the Pledge of Allegiance, advise remote attendees to turn off their
cameras and mute themselves, then begin reciting the Pledge. Once the Pledge of Allegiance
has started, the Mayor or Chair can lower or turn off the wireless microphone.
Remote Mayor or Chair: If the Mayor or Chair is participating in the meeting remotely, they
should start the Pledge of Allegiance by asking the audience to please rise for the Pledge of
Allegiance, advise remote attendees to turn off their cameras and mute themselves, then
recite the Pledge.
LINDA CALLON CONFERENCE ROOM
The microphone in the Linda Callon Conference will remain on throughout the entirety of
meetings to ensure that the remote meeting attendees can hear proceedings. Additionally,
tent cards for Council Members, Commissioners, staff, and special guests will be provided to
help remote participants identify those attending in-person.
Microphones in the Civic Theater and Linda Callon Conference Room are extremely
sensitive and can easily detect side conversations as well as other sounds, such as
shuffling paper.
REMOTE COUNCIL MEMBERS & COMMISSIONERS
City Council Members and Commissioners participating from a remote location are
encouraged to keep their cameras on and to remain muted unless speaking.
MEETING DIALOGUE
City Council Members and Commissioners should be careful to avoid speaking at the same
time as other meeting attendees. Maintaining one speaker at a time ensures meeting
proceedings are audible and easy for meeting attendees to follow. This is critical for meetings
held in the Linda Callon Conference Room given the microphone for the entire room will not
be muted during the meeting.
43
City Council & Commissions Hybrid Meeting Guidelines | November 1, 2022
Page 3
To facilitate this, meeting attendees are encouraged to raise their hand to indicate that they
would like to speak and wait to be acknowledged by the Mayor or Chair. Remote attendees
and those participating in meetings from the Civic Theater can do this by using the tool in
Zoom. Attendees in the Linda Callon Conference Room can physically raise their hand.
MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC
In accordance with the Remote Public Participation Policy (Resolution No. 21-045),
meetings held in the Civic Theater or Linda Callon Conference Room must provide an option
for remote public participation. Both rooms are equipped with the technology needed for
remote participation and the City will continue using Zoom software to facilitate remote
participation.
Public Comment
Public Comment on non-agendized items and all agenda items will begin with speakers
attending in-person first followed by those attending via Zoom. Public comment will be
managed by the City Clerk or Commission liaison. The Clerk or liaison will announce each
speaker, including in-person (if a speaker slip is provided) and remote attendees.
Timer
For meetings held in the Civic Theater, video feed of a timer in the Civic Theater will be used
to let in-person and remote public speakers know how much time they have for comment.
For meetings held in the Linda Callon Conference Room a timer will be displayed on the
projector and screenshared, so that in-person and remote public speakers know how much
time they have for comment.
PARTICIPATION INFORMATION ON AGENDA
City staff will include public participation information on the agenda so that members of the
public can participate in person or remotely when meetings are scheduled for the Linda
Callon Conference Room or Civic Theater.
44
City Council & Commissions Hybrid Meeting Guidelines | November 1, 2022
Page 4
MEETING RECORDINGS
City Council and Planning Commission meetings listed below are subject to recording per
the Meeting Recording Policy (Resolution No. 22-043). Recordings are made available on
the City website. Only City Council Regular Session and Planning Commission Regular
Meetings are indexed.
City Council
• Regular Meetings in Civic Theater
• Study Sessions
• Joint Sessions
• Commission Interviews
• Retreats
• Meetings with Planning Commission
• Council Finance Committee
Planning Commission
• Regular Meetings in Civic Theater
• Study Sessions
Meetings in the Civic Theater are recorded by KSAR. Other meetings are recorded by staff
using Zoom.
45
Library & Community Engagement Commission
December 5, 2022
CITY OF SARATOGA
Memorandum
To: Library & Community Engagement Commission
From: Crystal Bothelio, Assistant City Manager
Date: December 5, 2022
Subject: Fiscal Year 2023/24 Work Plan
To ensure that the Commission’s work efforts are in alignment with the desires of the
Council, each Commission prepares an annual work plan for City Council consideration and
authorization. The work plan describes all work efforts of the Commission during the City’s
fiscal year, which spans from July 1 to June 30. Typically, the Council reviews and approves
work plans in March.
During the December 5, 2022 meeting, the Commission will begin the update to the work
plan in preparation for City Council review. For reference, the Fiscal Year 2022/23 Work Plan
is attached, including progress to date and Commission approved subcommittee
assignments. The Commission’s duties and responsibilities are also provided as a reference.
If the Commission would like to propose additions to the existing work plan for the upcoming
fiscal year, staff recommends that the Commission use the December 2022 meeting to
identify possible additions. Staff will then return at the February 2023 meeting with
additional information about the proposed additions, including a preliminary feasibility
assessment, implementation schedule, and identification of necessary resources so that the
Commission can finalize its proposed work plan in advance of City Council consideration,
tentatively expected in March 2023.
46
Library & Community
Engagement Commission
Work Plan & Responsibilities
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 dive rsity to identify opportunities and
then work with Saratoga Library or other community organizations to develop diverse
and inclusive programs or activities.
• Subcommittee Members: Cristina Meiser, Victoria Zhang
• Status: At the Commission’s October 18, 2022 special meeting, the Commission
approved a recommendation from the subcommittee to celebrate Saratoga’s
diversity through a beta test of an oral history project in partnership with the
Saratoga Library that would invite people who live or work in Saratoga to record
a short video at the library about what brought them to Saratoga. The committee
is expected to report back as needed on their progress.
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.
• Subcommittee Members: Cristina Meiser, Valerie Nygaard
• Status: At the August 8, 2022 Commission regular meeting, the Commission
approved a recommendation from the Parent/Student Collaboration
subcommittee to partner with the Saratoga Library to display information about
Project Cornerstone during the school year, including monthly book selection as
well as other books that support monthly Project Cornerstone themes, and
programing or activities that align with goals of Project Cornerstone as an initial
action. Saratoga Library is working on implementation of the effort.
47
Library & Community Engagement Commission Work Plan & Responsibilities – December 2022
Page 3
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.
• Subcommittee Members: Eric Lewis, Bob Guino
• Status: Complete for Fiscal Year 2022/23. On August 8,2022, the Commission
approved a recommendation from the Good Neighbor Day subcommittee to work
with City staff to implement a communications plan through the City’s outreach
tools (including social media and newsletters) to encourage Saratoga residents to
build stronger neighborhoods through weekly outreach messages during the
month of September in recognition of Good Neighbor Day and create a Good
Neighbor webpage with a variety of ideas about how to bring neighbors together.
Starting the week of August 29, the City shared weekly messages about Good
Neighbor Day through the City’s newsletter, Nextdoor, and Facebook. The Good
Neighbor Day webpage and Good Neighbor Day messaging was viewed more
than 15,000 times and there were 17 engagements (such as click, reaction, share)
with social media messages on Good Neighbor Day. On September 21, the
Saratoga City Council Meeting presented the Good Neighbor Day proclamation to
the Library & Community Engagement Commission.
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.
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
48
Library & Community Engagement Commission Work Plan & Responsibilities – December 2022
Page 4
provide City staff with insights about community concerns or interests to help shape City
outreach and engagement efforts.
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
49
Library & Community Engagement Commission Work Plan & Responsibilities – December 2022
Page 5
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.
50
Library & Community Engagement Commission
December 5, 2022
CITY OF SARATOGA
Memorandum
To: Library & Community Engagement Commission
From: Crystal Bothelio, Assistant City Manager
Date: December 5, 2022
Subject: 2023 Meeting Schedule
The Commission holds regular meetings on the 2nd Monday of even-numbered months at
7:00 p.m. Regular dates for 2023 are listed below. The October 9, 2023 meeting falls on a
holiday and will need to be rescheduled or canceled. The Commission may also reschedu le
or cancel other meetings, if desired. Additionally, the Commission may schedule special
meetings as needed.
2023 Meeting Dates:
• Monday, February 13, 2023
• Monday, April 10, 2023
• Monday, June 12, 2023
• Monday, August 14, 2023
• Monday, October 9, 2023*
• Monday, December 11, 2023
51
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
Valerie Nygaard 9/30/2026
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
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, 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
June 13, 2022 • Community News & Trends • Library District
52
Library & Community Engagement Commission Agenda Planner – December 2022
Page 2
• Minutes
• Work Plan Implementation
• Summarize Action Items
• Saratoga Library
• Friends of the Saratoga
Libraries
• Teen Advisory Board
• Commission Chair
• City
June 29, 2022
Commission Recognition Dinner
• 6:00 p.m.
• Hakone Gardens
July 11, 2022
Rescheduled June 13
meeting
• Community News & Trends
• Minutes
• Work Plan Implementation
• 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
• Parent/Student Collaboration
(Work Plan Item)
• Good Neighbor Day (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
• Celebrate Saratoga’s Diversity
(Work Plan Item)
• Good Neighbor Day Update
(Work Plan Item)
• Parent/Student Collaboration
Update (Work Plan Item)
• Subcommittee Assignments
• December Meeting Date
• Summarize Action Items
• Library District
• Saratoga Library
• Friends of the Saratoga
Libraries
• Teen Advisory Board
• Commission Chair
• City
December 5, 2022 • Minutes
• Community News & Trends
• 2023/24 Work Plan
• Review 2023 Meeting Schedule
• Summarize Action Items
• Library District
• Saratoga Library
• Friends of the Saratoga
Libraries
• Teen Advisory Board
• Commission Committees
• Commission Chair
• City
February 13, 2023 • Minutes
• Community News & Trends
• Library District
• Saratoga Library
53
Library & Community Engagement Commission Agenda Planner – December 2022
Page 3
• Summarize Action Items • Friends of the Saratoga
Libraries
• Teen Advisory Board
• Commission Committees
• Commission Chair
• City
April 10, 2023 • Minutes
• Community News & Trends
• 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 Committees
• Commission Chair
• City
June 12, 2023 • Minutes
• Community News & Trends
• Summarize Action Items
• Library District
• Saratoga Library
• Friends of the Saratoga
Libraries
• Teen Advisory Board
• Commission Committees
• Commission Chair
• City
August 14, 2023 • Minutes
• Community News & Trends
• Summarize Action Items
• Library District
• Saratoga Library
• Friends of the Saratoga
Libraries
• Teen Advisory Board
• Commission Committees
• Commission Chair
• City
October 9, 2023* • Minutes
• Community News & Trends
• Summarize Action Items
• Library District
• Saratoga Library
• Friends of the Saratoga
Libraries
• Teen Advisory Board
• Commission Committees
• Commission Chair
• City
December 11, 2023 • Minutes
• Community News & Trends
• Summarize Action Items
• Library District
• Saratoga Library
• Friends of the Saratoga
Libraries
• Teen Advisory Board
• Commission Committees
• Commission Chair
54
Library & Community Engagement Commission Agenda Planner – December 2022
Page 4
• City
* Meeting date falls on City holiday. Meeting to be rescheduled or canceled.
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 dive rsity to identify opportunities and
then work with Saratoga Library or other community organizations to develop diverse
and inclusive programs or activities.
Subcommittee Members: Cristina Meiser, Victoria Zhang
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.
Subcommittee Members: Cristina Meiser, Valerie Nygaard
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.
Subcommittee Members: Eric Lewis, Bob Guino
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.
55
Library & Community Engagement Commission Agenda Planner – December 2022
Page 5
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.
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.
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
56
Library & Community Engagement Commission Agenda Planner – December 2022
Page 6
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.
57