Proposed Fiscal Year 2025/2026
Board of Library Trustees Workplan
Background
On August 18, 2025, BOLT reviewed the upcoming FY2025/2026 workplan and proposes to work on the following list of items.
Collection Funding
Advocate to ensure future ongoing funding of the collection budget.
Alternative Funding
To reduce reliance on the City’s General Fund, explore additional alternative funding support for library services.
Communications Funding
Advocate for a dedicated communications staff person.
Policies
Review Library policies and provide advisory support for policy updates and revisions.
Upcoming policies for review: Policy for Posting and Distribution of Community Information; Policy Regarding Privacy and Confidentiality; Use of Electronic Resources Policy; and Art Exhibits at the Santa Clara City Library Policy Review revision of Collection Development Policy to meet requirements of AB1825 California Freedom to Read Act.
Update: BOLT has reviewed the Collection Development Policy (4/7/2025), which the California State Library confirmed was received and in compliance with AB1825 (4/21/2025) Strategic Plan and Facilities Master Plan
Provide advisory and advocacy support for the completed Library Strategic Plan and Facilities Master Plan with Council and in the community.
Liaison Work
Engage with and strengthen a cooperative relationship with the Santa Clara City Library Foundation and Friends Foundation and Friends Liaison – Vice-Chair Tryforos
Conduct a joint meeting with the Santa Clara City Library Foundation and Friends (SCCLFF) Board Update: BOLT has appointed Vice-Chair Tryforos as liaison to the SCCLFF Board. A joint meeting was held on 6/2/2025 to share priorities and develop opportunities for collaboration.
Engage as liaisons to develop cooperative relationships and advocacy with City Boards, Commissions and Taskforces The following are a list of current liaisons
Parks and Recreation Commission – Trustee Ricossa
Santa Clara Station Area Taskforce – Chair Evans
Historical and Landmarks Commission – Vice-Chair Tryforos Downtown Community Taskforce – Chair Evans
Youth Advisory Commission – Trustee Huynh
The following have been identified as potential future liaison opportunities Senior Advisory Commission – TBD
Bike and Pedestrian Advisory Committee – TBD
Cultural Commission – TBD
Conduct Library outreach with the community
Advocate for the support of Library budgets and services Board Development
Explore strategic Board development opportunities, including informational reports and funded conferences and trainings (budget permitting) Update: BOLT has identified topics and scheduled a series of informational reports from staff Become better educated on the role and context of public libraries in the United States Become better informed on Library operations
Current Membership
Meetings are on the first Monday of every month except for January and July at 6:00 p.m. at the Central Library - Board Room
Name
Appointed
Terms Ends
Jonathon Evans
05/24/21 (25)
2029
Debbie Tryforos
10/16/18 (22)
2026
Stephen Ricossa
appointed to a serve a partial and full term
06/21/16 (23)
2027
Daniel Huynh
05/13/24 (28)
2028
G. Salim Mohammed
05/13/24 (28)
2028
Purpose, Role and Duties of BOLT:
BOLT is an advisory body, meaning that its function is primarily to provide advice and recommendations to Library staff and the City Council regarding Library services. Their primary role is to serve as advocates for the library system. Trustees represent the library system in interactions with the public, gathering community feedback and sharing information on Library operations and services. BOLT’s advocacy includes support of community surveys, strategic planning efforts, and policy updates. BOLT’s powers and duties as defined by Section 1013 of the City Charter are to:
(a) Make and enforce such by-laws, rules and regulations as it may deem necessary for the administration and protection of the City library. (b) Approve or disapprove the appointment of a librarian who shall be the department head; (c) Accept into the library fund and administer money, personal property or real estate donated to the City or otherwise acquired for library purposes subject to the approval of the City Council; (d) Contract with school, county or other governmental agencies to render or receive library services or facilities, subject to the approval of the City Council.