ANNUAL REPORT 2024-2025
Open for Exploration
1 2
Brisbane Library
Pacifica Sharp Park Library
Millbrae Library
Foster City Library
Belmont Library
San Carlos Library
Woodside Library
Atherton Library
North Fair Oaks Library East Palo Alto
Library
Portola Valley Library
Half Moon Bay Library
Pacifica Sanchez Library
Director’s Message
Our work over the last year is a powerful reflection of what we can achieve together through a shared vision. We are proud to present the stories and successes captured in our FY 2024-25 Annual Report.
Each year, we discover new and valuable ways to serve our community. At the heart of it all is our new Vision: Where community grows and thrives. Through accessible educational resources, uplifting programs and innovative tools, we invite you to learn, explore and be inspired.
Guided by our updated Mission: Together, we build meaningful connections and inspire lifelong curiosity—we have renewed and revitalized our commitment to advancing literacy, engaging people of all ages, and promoting our services to ensure that more individuals can access the full range of opportunities we provide.
In this report, you’ll see how our community-centered strategy has come to life in dynamic and impactful ways. This work wouldn’t be possible without our passionate library champions and dedicated partners. We’re deeply grateful to our Library JPA Governing Board and Operations Committee, committed Friends and Foundation, generous donors, devoted volunteers and our extraordinary staff. Thank you for your continued support, collaboration and enthusiasm.
We’re excited to share this report showcasing our accomplishments and the positive impact our libraries continue to have.
Anne-Marie Despain
Director
Library Joint Powers Authority Governing Board
Atherton
Rick DeGolia
Brisbane
Frank Kern
Belmont
Julia Mates
East Palo Alto
Mark Dinan
Foster City
Art Kiesel
Half Moon Bay
Deborah Penrose
Millbrae
Reuben Holober
Pacifica
Mary Bier
Portola Valley
Rebecca Flynn
San Carlos
Sara McDowell
Woodside
Dick Brown
San Mateo County
Lisa Gauthier
273,370
Service Population
351
Square-Mile
Service Area
13 Libraries
3 4
Behind every number, there is a story unique to our communities. Each person who walks through our doors, every book checked out, laptop borrowed, and event attended is a chance to embody our values of belonging, connection, growth, access, compassion and creativity. We strive to deliver services and offer opportunities where our diverse communities feel seen, heard and valued.
Whether visiting us in person or exploring our digital resources, every new library cardholder is welcomed and encouraged to explore. Our staff proudly reflects the rich diversity and unique backgrounds and experiences of our community. By offering responsive services, meaningful outreach and rich collections—we spark excitement for first-time users while deepening connections with lifetime library supporters.
Year in Numbers
2.8M
Website Visits
4M
WiFi Sessions
41,984
Laptop Checkouts
23,343
Hotspot Checkouts
14,274
New Cardholders
249,967
Active Cardholders
Atherton Belmont Brisbane East Palo Alto Foster City Half Moon Bay Millbrae North Fair Oaks Pacifica Portola Valley San Carlos Woodside FY 24-25
Atherton Belmont Brisbane East Palo Alto Foster City Half Moon Bay Millbrae North Fair Oaks Pacifica Portola Valley San Carlos Woodside
1.7M
Library
Visitors
FY 24-25
Atherton Belmont Brisbane East Palo Alto Foster City Half Moon Bay Millbrae North Fair Oaks Pacifica Portola Valley San Carlos Woodside
2.4M
Items
Circulated
FY 24-25
Atherton Belmont Brisbane East Palo Alto Foster City Half Moon Bay Millbrae North Fair Oaks Pacifica Portola Valley San Carlos Woodside 11,661
Programs
and Events
White, non-Hispanic Asian Hispanic or Latino/a Multiracial Black Native Hawaiian/Pacific Islander American Indian/Alaska Native Other Unspecified 33%
44%
23%
24%
22%
23%
4%
5%
14%
2025
White, non-Hispanic
Asian
Hispanic or Latino/a
Multiracial
Black
Native Hawaiian/Pacific Islander
American Indian/Alaska Native
Other
Unspecified
Community 2025
Staff 2025
Community
33%
44%
23%
24%
22%
23%
4%
5%
14%
2025
White, non-Hispanic
Asian
Hispanic or Latino/a
Multiracial
Black
Native Hawaiian/Pacific Islander
American Indian/Alaska Native
Other
Unspecified
Community 2025
Staff Staff 2025
5 6
Our Vision
Where community grows and thrives
Our Mission
Together, we build meaningful connections and inspire lifelong curiosity This year, we unveiled our new five-year
strategic plan. Shaped by extensive community
input, our 2025-2030 Strategic Plan is both
responsive and forward-thinking, ensuring we
remain aligned with community priorities while
guiding meaningful progress in the years ahead.
The plan grounds us in our shared goals: We
listen to our communities and create responsive
services and spaces where everyone belongs;
connect people and build partnerships to
achieve shared goals; champion a culture of
continuous growth and discovery for all; and
engage our communities through meaningful
outreach and expanded access to resources.
The plan reaffirms our promise to answer the
diverse needs of our service district and to
ensure our libraries remain vibrant, relevant and
essential resources for all.
San Mateo County Libraries is poised to
continue our legacy as a trusted and important
community resource. With a new vision,
mission and goals that build on our strengths
while encouraging resourcefulness and
creativity, we remain focused on strengthening
connections, expanding access, and honoring
the public library traditions that have made us a
cornerstone of community life.
As we put this plan into action, we know our
continued success depends on the insights,
contributions and voices of the communities
we serve.
Our Strategic Plan
7 8
Boundless Possibilities
We champion a culture of continuous growth and
discovery for all.
We recognize our communities’ desire to
feel empowered and invest in the future.
To meet that need, we expanded our
financial literacy programs to offer expert
workshops on investing, retirement
planning and managing debt. Vital
English learning classes, as well as adult
literacy, reading and writing tutoring
We create moments for every stage
and phase of life to foster growth and
curiosity. Our programs connect reading
and stories to real-life experiences and
invite authors and illustrators into our
libraries. Some reach young readers
directly through school visits and reading
lists, while others connect to adults with
book signings and thoughtful discussions.
Our annual Summer Adventure initiative
reaches thousands of participants of
all ages, inspiring all to explore their
interests and celebrate progress along the
way. These shared experiences remind
us how powerful it is to feel seen and
motivate us to set new learning goals.
programs continue to grow. Our bilingual
citizenship classes and voter education
workshops reinforce our essential role in a
healthy democracy, ensuring everyone can
participate fully.
At the heart of everything we do is a deep
commitment to connection. From nurturing
a love of reading in our youngest patrons to
fostering togetherness and purpose among
older adults, we aim to create experiences
for everyone.
Learning, community,
the excitement of
discovery. I could go on
and on. Excellent library
system—way to go,
County of San Mateo!”
LIBRARY PATRON
“
9 10
Ageless Adventures
Our 55+ programs connect older adults with fresh
ways to engage and build community. Through
thoughtfully designed field trips and rewarding
social activities, we promote wellness and help
combat isolation. These moments offer meaningful
ways to connect and feel a part of something
beyond the routine of everyday life.
Many activities focus on staying active, developing
new skills and creating space to gather with others.
By offering small group workshops, wellness activities, tech help and more, we’re responding directly to the
interests and values expressed by local older adults.
They represent one of our fastest-growing
demographics. In response, we’re expanding a
range of programs that support active lifestyles,
lifelong curiosity and forming new friendships in a
welcoming, low-pressure environment. Our goal
is to offer consistent opportunities that help
individuals foster connections—to their library,
community and one another.
“
I’m recently retired, and the many library activities have helped me try new things and meet lots of nice people.
Library Patron
380
Attendees
16 Field Trips
482
Attendees
132
Trees Provided
Branching Out
Our libraries are spaces for curiosity,
learning and new experiences, including
exploration of the natural world. This year,
we invited our communities to explore how
environmental issues connect to daily life,
health and neighborhoods.
Partnering with Canopy, a local nonprofit
dedicated to growing the urban tree
canopy, we brought climate-focused
discovery directly to our libraries. These
featured bilingual gardening workshops,
tree walks, climate justice presentations
and community listening sessions in
socioeconomically diverse settings.
Community members joined us to
explore outdoor spaces and deepen
their knowledge of how to care for the
environment. These offerings were tailored
to reflect the communities we serve and
designed to feel inviting and relevant.
Participants enjoyed engaging in important
dialogue about community priorities such
as climate resiliency and closing the “green
gap” in under-resourced areas.
Together, we created an inspiring
opportunity for hands-on learning and
meaningful conversations, ensuring
that diverse voices are celebrated in
our inclusive community efforts.
“ A whole new world becomes available to me thanks to the impressive work of the libraries.
Library Patron
Photo by Anna Koch-Kenney/Embarcadero Media
11 12
Partnerships in Action
We connect people and build partnerships to
achieve shared goals.
When we identify a community need that
our libraries can address, we act. This
year, we worked with San Mateo County
Health to add blood pressure monitors to
our collection. These kinds of practical,
human-centered resources reflect how
libraries have evolved—meeting needs
that range from health to warmth in
the winter, from job readiness to digital
People count on us to show up for
them where they live, work and play.
Expanding our presence helps us share
all the opportunities the library has to
offer. Through valuable partnerships and
convenient access to library experiences,
we open the doors to increased use and
relevance.
We build enriching connections that
strengthen our communities and have
allies in our efforts to offer essential
services and help people flourish. In
collaboration with our local school
districts, we combine efforts to reach
youth with proven strategies that
strengthen literacy, boost confidence and
foster a love of reading and learning.
access. Trusted partnerships that bridge
community needs allow everyone to
contribute what they do best, benefiting our
residents.
With every collaboration, we amplify our
impact. Our efforts, made stronger through
our dedicated partners, nurture individuals
through connection to resources and each
other, taking our communities to new
heights.
I am grateful the library
goes above and beyond
to include and support
everyone.
LIBRARY PATRON
“
13 14
Community Home Runs
We show up in new and unexpected
places to build community
connections and library awareness.
Our enhanced outreach efforts
included delivering the library
experience to thousands at highprofile community events like Library Night with the San Francisco Giants
and the San Mateo County Fair.
In the spring, we teamed up with the
Giants and our Foundation to host
a pre-game festival. Fans explored
our Makermobile, browsed eBooks,
and took home memorable library
giveaways, including baseball-themed
books. During the game, the Giants
boosted our message about all that
modern libraries offer, reaching
30,000 fans with our public service
announcement on the big screen.
Closer to home, at the County Fair,
we created a vibrant reading garden
where visitors of all ages enjoyed a
carefully curated selection of books.
Wherever we go, our fun, interactive
activities and outreach efforts
result in smiles, inspiration and
engagement—reminding people that
the library is always within reach.
“ The amount of resources provided to all members of our community across the county, the way we are able to reach and include everyone... it makes me grateful.
Library Patron
410
Library Night
Attendees
4,866
County Fair
Attendees
When residents reach out for help, we step up to
connect them to essential resources. Together
with partners like Coastside Hope, Community
Overcoming Relationship Abuse (CORA) and
the YMCA Community Resource Center, we help
families access resources connecting them to
food, rental assistance, diaper supplies, utility
relief and referrals for healthcare.
Navigating assistance and complex forms can feel
overwhelming for those in need. In the trusted,
familiar spaces of our libraries, community members
can easily access everyday library services and
the expertise of our dedicated partners.
We bring people together to address community
needs and aspirations. With tax preparation,
legal aid, digital skills training and emergency
food sources, our partners provide life-changing
services. By bridging community needs with
library services, we help people move toward
greater stability and well-being.
Stronger Together
“
Thank you for helping me find a home and community. The library has made a true difference in my life.
Library Patron
626
Families
Served
416
Social Safety
Net Hours
15 16
From books and early literacy initiatives
that set the stage for success to hands-on
makerspaces, 3D printers, podcasting kits,
memory labs and virtual reality headsets,
our libraries are equipped with tools
that inspire creativity and fuel invention.
We offer WiFi hotspots and laptops for
checkout, along with classes in digital
literacy and emerging technologies—
critical resources to ensure everyone has
the opportunity to keep pace in an everchanging world.
Connecting community members to the
resources that best meet their needs,
we provide personalized pathways to
learning, creativity and support.
We create moments that ignite discovery,
growth and curiosity and expand access
to resources—offering essential tools and
unexpected experiences that support
individuals at every stage of life. Libraries
are built on the promise of free and equal
access to information and knowledge.
With a wide range of services and access
points, we ensure access for all, removing
barriers and opening doors to opportunity.
Our library champions thrive by learning
alongside our communities. Exploration isn’t
just something we promote—it’s something
we live every day.
We also actively build awareness, because
the library shouldn’t be the community’s
best-kept secret. With the right tools, the
library continues to expand its reach—
welcoming new users, celebrating loyal
patrons and showing our entire community
that the library is for everyone.
I was blown away by the
incredible collection...
it’s a paradise for
readers, elders as well
as kids. Keep it up!
LIBRARY PATRON
“
Access for All
We engage our communities through meaningful
outreach and expanded access to resources.
17 18
To deepen engagement and reach more people, we
unveiled a new multilingual ad campaign designed to
raise awareness of the vast range of library resources, events and activities. These ads highlighted classic
library services and our newest, most innovative
offerings. With catchy messaging like “From Books to
Bikes” and “From Tech Classes to Museum Passes,”
the ads made thousands of impressions.
We experimented with new strategies to reach
people, including through social media. Our bold,
colorful ads in English, Spanish and Mandarin
appeared online, on buses and in local stores.
In three months, the campaign drew close to 30,000
hits to our Welcome webpage, where visitors signed
up for library cards, discovered our programs and
accessed valuable resources.
This campaign marked an exciting shift in our
communication, and we remain committed to
finding creative, inclusive ways to invite more
people to the libraries.
Well Aware
“
The library hosts multicultural programs, English conversation clubs, tech classes for seniors and more!
Library Patron
4.1M
Digital Ad
Impressions
3.4M
Bus Ad
Impressions
Imagination Delivered
We’re making it easier than ever for
families to spark a love of reading
from day one and on every doorstep.
Through our partnership with Dolly
Parton’s Imagination Library, families
with children 0-5 can sign up to
receive free books in the mail
each month.
Since its launch, thousands of
children in San Mateo County have
been enrolled, turning the simple joy
of opening the mail into a powerful
literacy moment. By removing cost
and access barriers for young families,
we’re establishing a love of reading
and creating more opportunities
for every child to build a strong
foundation for learning.
The Imagination Library is made
possible thanks to the California
State Library and our nonprofit
partners, The Dollywood Foundation,
the Foundation for San Mateo
County Libraries and our local
Friends of the Library groups. Their
generous support allows us to reach
families where it matters most—
at home—providing the tools and
encouragement kids need to read,
grow and thrive.
“ There’s no more tangible, better way to improve literacy for children than to provide books, and to have those books not just at the library, but mailed directly to the child with their name on it.
Caiti Busch, Chair of the Foundation for San Mateo County Libraries 47,731
Books
Provided
7,213
Children
Enrolled
19 20
Open seven days a week, each of our 13
libraries is a unique destination, inspiring
lifelong curiosity. Enhanced spaces and
creative solutions like the Pacifica Library
Outpost, a 24/7 library lending machine,
help us reach people in new and exciting
ways. We create welcoming spaces
wherever we go—at schools, laundromats,
We hear our patrons in the languages
they speak, the stories they share and the
cultures they celebrate. Our multilingual
collections and cultural programming
allow individuals to feel represented and
included.
Our growing collection isn’t just about
materials, it encourages people to try new
things, learn at their own pace and foster
creativity. The ever-expanding Library of
Things now includes karaoke machines,
puzzles and video games. Beyond these
exciting offerings, every viewpoint has
a place on our shelves, because true
learning grows from the freedom to
explore all ideas.
food distribution centers, fairs and festivals,
we engage residents. At every stop, the
Makermobile and Bookmobile enliven and
enrich their communities.
Our talented staff and wonderful volunteers
create a welcoming atmosphere that
inspires community and includes all. The
impact of their work is reflected in stronger
literacy rates, greater civic participation,
increased job readiness and personal wellbeing that shape our thriving communities.
The library is the heart
of the community.
I love how much the
library staff care and all
the community events
hosted there.”
LIBRARY PATRON
“
Rooted in Community
We listen to our community and create responsive
services and spaces where everyone belongs.
21 22
Destination Libraries
Our libraries are designed to build
community. They’re places where form
meets function, and people of all ages
can gather, imagine and learn.
We are always looking for new ways
to make our libraries both more
comfortable and captivating. Each time
someone enters our libraries to find a
comfy seat or the latest technology, it’s
thanks to the behind-the-scenes work
of our diligent staff. Building upgrades
and new spaces are also thanks to the
strong work of our dedicated and trusted
partners, including local cities and
Friends groups.
Most recently, we were excited to
refresh our Belmont Library with
updates inside and out, including fresh
paint, new furniture, plus advanced
meeting room technology and a
shining new makerspace. Together
with our community, we celebrated
the reopening with storytime, poetry,
cultural performances, maker activities
and more.
Through ongoing improvements and
exciting transformations, we’re always
inviting our communities to rediscover
the familiar, with each visit offering
something new.
“ We are so fortunate to have a space where all generations can come together, whether it’s reading a favorite book, exploring the makerspace, borrowing a musical instrument, or just being in community with one another.
Julia Mates, Mayor of Belmont and Chair of the Library JPA Governing Board 2,093
Belmont Library
Reopening Attendees
35,079
Systemwide
Open Hours
Our library champions are at the heart of everything
we do. This year, staff across San Mateo County
Libraries leaned into growth, shared bold ideas and
fostered a culture of curiosity and continuous learning.
We celebrate our team—from long-time staff who
know our communities deeply to new team members
who bring fresh perspectives. Our workforce
intentionally reflects the diversity of the County,
and many are bilingual, creating connections that
feel personal, inclusive and welcoming.
Training and development remained a priority, with
staff stepping into new roles and investing time to
strengthen skills. Internal programs like Pitch It made space for reflection, new ideas and innovations.
This fun initiative encourages staff to take risks
and turn breakthrough ideas into valuable services.
Our volunteers, from Friends groups to community
advocates, play a vital role in extending our reach.
Their dedication ensures our libraries remain closely
connected to the people we serve.
Library Champions
“ It’s obvious the requirements to work for San Mateo County Libraries, in any capacity, are kindness, followed closely by patience, dedication and joy.
Library Patron
5,105
Staff Training
Hours
92%
Are Proud to
Work Here
Always open for exploration at smcl.org