February 10, 2026
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Library Strategic
Plan and Facilities
Master Plan
Item# 4
RTC # 26-16610
February 10, 2026
/{'/- • City of
\ ""_ :) Santa Clara
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Library Strategic Plan and
Facilities Master Plan
~ $~rtllza/nr»
~ CITY LIBRARY
Strategf c Plan 2025-2028
The-~Jure Stprts H~re!
Item #4
POST MEETING MATERIAL
1 February 10, 2026
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0. So,nta Olara
~ CITY LIBRARY
Strategic Plan 2025-2028
The Future Starts Here!
acllbnry.org
Library Strategic Plan
• 3-year Strategic Plan: 2025-2028
Mission
Enhance lives and strengthen our diverse communities by providing the best in information, cultural and technical enrichment, a wide range of programs and services, and opportunities to achieve dreams.
Vision
Discover what's possible
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Based on data and community
engagement
• Organizational priorities and objectives were
developed from
- Community survey with 1,543 responses in 5 languages (1.2% of Santa Clara population) - Demographic data
- Focu~ groups (13) and interviews (19) representing organizations, stakeholders and individual~ from diverse localcommunities
- Strengths, Opportunities, Aspirations, and Results (SOAR) analysis and meetings with Board and staff - All Staff surveys
- National and local library best practices and trends analysis ~--
/; • • City of 1 ~ • _) Santa Clara
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Key points from data analysis and
community engagement
• High satisfaction with staff and services
• Desire for greater access to library spaces
• Need for greater awareness of services
• Desire for library to represent diverse cultures and languages in the community
• Interest in innovative technology and digital literacy • Library as a community resource, a place to connect to community, social and civic services, life needs related to career, immigration, housing, health and parenting
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/~~ ... • , City of
( v ) Santa Clara
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Organizational Priorities
• Priority Group #1: Increasing Community Connection
- External partnerships
- Fundraising
- Marketing and public relations
• Priority Group #2: Improving Capacity
- Organi-,ational structure
- Policies
- Volunteer and staff de,-elopment
• Priority Group #3: Building a stronger today for a better tomorrow - Operational efficiencies
- Measurement and evaluation
- Library Facilities
- Technology
Priority #1: Increasing Community Connection
• External partnerships
- Actively seek and strengthen partnerships ½1th schools, organizations and institutions to expand service to library users.
• Fundraising
- Partner with the Santa Clara Board of Library Trustees and the Santa Clara City Library Foundation and Friends to support and enhance library services. • Marketing and public relations
- Promote library services through a variety of print, electronic, and media opportunities.
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( -7~ \ City of
~ ) Santa Clara
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Priority #2: Improving Capacity
• Organizational structure
- Establish and maintain an organizational structure that supports the Library's service priorities.
• Policies
- Operate within a policy framework that reflects the Library's values and promotes effective and efficient service delivery.
• Volunteer and staff development
- Expand recruitment, training, and deployment of volunteers and staff that provide and support quality customer service for all library users.
Priority #3: Building a stronger today for a
better tomorrow
• Operational efficiencies
- Utilize technologies and processes that improve access to information, enhance customer service, and maximize efficient service delivery.
• Measurement and evaluation
- Incorporate measurement and evaluation into operational practices.
Library Facilities
- Provide and maintain safe and attractive facilities and plans for the future. • Technology
Deploy technology that enables library users to easily access information, collections and services, and enables staff to effectively and efficiently perform their assigned tasks, 10 5
February 10, 2026
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Next Steps for Strategic Plan
• Library has developed specific, actionable initiatives, included in the Strategic Plan
• Next steps are reviewing plan with staff and developing processes to monitor and report on progress
• Future goals to establish regular community surveys,
annual report, and refresh plan regularly
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City of
• ~ ~- .• Santa Clara
: (. • i,_.r·,l ,•,I, I ! • !,: .
Library Facilities Master Plan
• 20-year Facilities Master Plan: 2025-2045
• Includes:
- Property condition assessments and recommendations for all existing Library facilities, as well as long-term needs to accommodate growth - Estimated pricing and funding strategies
- Recommended nexus language to update Library section in General Plan 13 (°7:->., City of
v ) Santa Clara
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Based on data and community
engagement
• Recommendations developed from
- Community engagement at the Library, Art & Wine Festival 2024, and Comic Con 2024, with over 620 participants in 4 languages
- Demographic data
- Staff and stakeholder engagement and surveys
- National and local library best practices and trends analysis, peer library data - Facility and service reviews and observations
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Key points from data analysis and
community engagement
• Community feedback shows a desire for
More meeting rooms, gathering and study spaces
More access to technology
Materials and services in all languages
• Demographic data shows
68% non-white population
56% speak language other than English at home
- Over 95% of the community have computers at home
Service and Population
Ml&.s.ON BRANCH UBRARV
In 2046, t,Aission Brnncn '..CNice orea ,s;hould
hove 17,618111.
As Cl ~lto-chatong,cd build,ir,g, Miss.on !fonch
is currently. and ~ I COJ\tl nue to bA, undonlnd
tor CM popuil□uon wrv8d Howe~r. o modl!sl
aeldiliof'i andl iC$ ptollimlty to Centrm P'Clfk Litirory ullEl'llato::. lho uridetsizirg iuua. Thrs will be
dlsr.~1ssed In the raoornmendotlon!'". sactlon
NORTHSl0E BJIANCH UBll'ARY
Nor(l"ls1de er-oncn 01eo is pro1ected {o doub le- Cy
2'046 To oc.con"'ll'l"K:lelate this growth North sida
Broocfl service orao should have 38,345 !Ill
Nortnsiae &rar,.ch 1$ currently :sl.ZOO Willi '°'
11:S SOl"\IJCl!t populatlon, but 'MIi qU1C kty be
lmd,u·•lrect
CINTitAL PARX LIBRARY
m 2D45, Csntto l Pork L.it:J1ary ~ef\lir;;e areo should' tlova !9~S6PJ d Howeve r. odrninlstrotion er.cl
01ht,1 mcln llbrcry functions ors no._1!.ed hen~,
requiring mon~ s9uare lootog&
cu,r,e,n t SQ ff
curren t pop served:
rro;ectoo 2045 pap served :
E.>:1 sting Sq 1t J r.apito •
Histail; gutOCline SF I copito
21st C::entvry tibrory Sf J co~ito
0..fTenlSQFL
Curte('lt pop served:
f'ro}ec fed pop ser,ied
Curra-,t SI:! fl / cop,to
Historic guideline Sf/ eapn:o
21 !.t C-antury lit>ru,y SF / capito .
current SQ Fl
Curre-nt p□ p served:
ProjectetJ pop !.arv«:I
Curre-nc 5~ tl/ c:a.p1to
Cenl rcl Pork: Lit.irnry is curtently rtg,tstHd ond J-Mtoric guideline SF ( c;Opita w 111 rem<l In so with pr□Jacteel populo tlon gmwtt,. ;2l!.t Cen tw ry I ibrory SF J cop.Cc ,.rnsl
18,S<leppl"
13.'5/pp l
.,
6 -65
,.
17,3M,-sr
24,404ppl·
J.8,ASOpp l
,,
6-1135
75 90,000 <!
89,.'526,:ip1•
927:34 ppl
42 6-85
,75
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(-~- \ City of
• ,~} Santa Clara
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Recommendations:
C411'11n:JtP1!71r:LhGr,~/~notlwdoft ;10.e~1;,·,;:_i
(un,IJ'•!t':1,Y.~¥-'lC".:"t'.7 !!'l'll~7r.,:1
Central Park Library 1
H'.f ~81(1(1'.I
~rnre?lllu.~-~"? '!.
0 r·15fl,~)
Minimum addilion.af staffing 6 FTE
Annual cost $745,34B Recommendations level one
CollecUon
large prinl
medlo
new books
perfodlcols
2. International .Hub
community living room
oreo for ,earning/groups
,..ponded collection
3. libro ry of l hings ,1oroge
rnove omce to boclc of house
move busi~ss center ta otrlum nlche
4. Mootings/ study rooms
move rict.ion collection upstoir-s
5. B uslnesa Center
printer~ in r,H;tw
collaboration toble
6 IAclrer spoce
podcost room
activity o reo and storage
gre(0n screen
7 En honced Cafe
demoristrotion kitchen access ible from
maker !5pcce and care lone
Additiona l recommendations to be included In design planning:
8. Expand Library Cafe service out to the Park
9, Renovate public restrooms 17
1 • :-,---\ City of
~ ) Santa Clara
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Recommendations:
Central Park Library 2
l. Sc:mto Clora PaviUcn
lo rge< entry
onhancod goneolOgy, loccl histo,y
meetin g spoco / "<>•kroom
2. Community Povlllon
lounge area
colloboro tlon oreo
3. Bus iness Povillo n
w/ meeting rooms and cowor king space
6. Ger)OOlogy w orkroci m mcve to bade or hoose
use eMisOng for public
7. Read Sonto C fO(a Uterocy Center
pubk racing
p rivate meeting roam
of fie es in stoff area
a Relocated Teen Zorns
vtewobl& from service desk
con be used ror others when not used by teon,
shared s,er;jce desk with adult corlec tlon
4. focus I study Povlllkm 9. A e-duced coirectlon ol adult llctfon ond non fic tion for better" access to meeling room and
collabo<atlon spoce
5. Foundation Offices move lo back of house
tJ se exl sting space lo{ public
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February 10, 2026
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Recommendations:
Mission Branch Library
Ml&ilan Bro-N:h Addttkn" SVP6,603
Cor,$1.,uctton ?Tnl0et CosL S 1,2!jiOOO
FF&.E: il0.A7D
Addrt.lon,ol ~ll~fV.l Needs.. !i213,J3~
Tool Library additional starfing:
2 PT library A.ssislant
Aflou:;al aoet: $122,,989
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Recommendations:
Northside Branch Library
I. Bette, use ot outdoor space
community gcrdens
shod•
1. Reworlt staff oreo imprc,.,e world low.
~em ove the sink to a How for mo ,e counte r
spoco ond storogo
2 Install p1i\/Ocy pod In this ok:ovo (non odO)
which can be used tor focta tion, private
phone calls, or d&COmpresslon rime.
3. Ensure accesslble servke desk: orKI ptovide
barrier between publlc a rid stoU.
4. Allow after hours access: to c.omrnynity
room by replacing doo ,s and security
access.
5" Pro\'lde tool lending library with overhead
garage door occes.s to portc: side. Pfovide
dedicate d por1dng to c:1.Uow ease of use.
6, Provide enlarged storage rcom for
commlJn lty room, lhi3 allows exfstlng
comm unity room k.ttc:hen to rtJnc1jor, as
intended.
7. Add restrooms that s arve for alter hours
oecess to commu nity room and ror park
users. Prmiide door security to allow cccess
to alt.tier or bolh.
8 Move self chec:k:s to stream Uoe ,ervk::e and
space, improve usobility. Provide lPach that
function as OPACs on ends of shetviog lO
free up floor space tor other f1..mctlo ns.
9. Meeting room that is curren tly accup.ed by
Rood sonro croro.
~l«IJKll~/~'Sl□aJ.993
C:i;;;n5'ri..,c;flC4'1ProJtr.l COs.t!l.~.2.~W
~:u 1s6.:10,:i
.&OdltionOI !t.,>ld;"!J~i:21:PD
connection to doytlght/-Aews
8. Aepicce 4-perS<ln rabies thot got used t,y 1
person will> Independent seat Ing in lounge
.S. booth •tyle.
19 tables and choirs
After hours access to p,cgrom room
security controls
ofter hou"' r9Stsrooms e,cistlng
9" Shirt sl>olving noftl> (no reduction) for belt'"'
sighulnes ; odd b<owsing bon<:has ond table
for puz:zles/robfotop gomos {1men)
3. Mere quiet spaca/ rooms
4. No reduc~on ct collec!lon, would like g r<iwtt>
5. Eoso compre,soo ,toff spocQ
mo,e effic ient AHM fayO<Jt
odd colloborotlon spOC4I
more staU desk oreo and storage
smollo r st<tff bathroom
e. Modify service desk for bonor starog• of
Library of Things.
7. AdJu•I •helving lo ollow for be!ter
10. open colfoborollon spoce•.
II. More I/O/l8fV In odull lounge furnishings
12 ~lght- site meeting room Tor room width.
13. Ad altionol spac& becomes sl\J<!y room or
stoU room.
?-4. Move wtr-chect:s and business center
octivltres ro the existing ntc:hes.
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Recomme ndations:
Northwest Branch
- A new branch of 18,000-20,000 sf should be added to the Northwest area of the city to accommodate planned development.
Currently Northside Branch Library serving a population of 24,404 The projected population in North Santa Clara is expected to increase to 48,460 hy 2045 based on permit applications, doubling senice population - New branch should pro,ide hands-on learning and 21'' century programming akin to that provided at Central Park Library, albeit at a smaller scale. Provide patrons places to meet and shldy, collection, community gathering spaces with after hours access, connection to shaded green space and learning gardens, maker space, and children's and teen spaces.
- Joint use space (ex: ,dth Parks and Recreation, or gym), expansion of existing space or incorporating into development project would be more efficient u.se of city funds.
Recommendations:
Station A rea Plan
- Shared or leased tenant space -6,ooo sf
- Recommended for estimated 6,750 sen ice population and activate high-tran~it, high-use corridor.
Prnvide curated collection, patron holds, hands-on learning area, and small meeting room and study spaces.
Other alternative small implementation models being explored in paitnership with Parks & Recreation include kiosk and self-service models.
Coostr\.Jcti<:v'! l"'H,iec: t Co,s;r $3'5,217,20□
FTt,F Sl,COO..D□O
Minimum !!tatting 11 FTE:
Annual oosl: $1.495.809
Roskfondol ~-ldlng Permit Heal Map
bell«I Ol"I ac °""'CFnwi t pq,ec tiiRt'<l'T rn::p.
station Areo Sa...-ct. llca"'llel\ $4 501, ~SD
Con,1rueric,n Pl'c,ect cast: ~.202.~50
F FM. S~ 00,4;Jro
Min;mum s La ffil1g 6 ~E
Annual oost $817,546
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11 February 10, 2026
Funding Strategies
23 Measure I
Facilities Master Flan rec:ommend.ltions for Mission and North.side BLanches _.\t Central, Measure I {u ndi ng to be utilized for public restruorns renovation and access control to facclitate. after-hours use of comm unity Rooms
Design p1a nni ng for all three current locations
Not en.o ugh to do a 11 Cen tra 1 recommendations
Northwest Potential fonding strategies:
• Explore. puhlk-private partnerships and launch a capital campaign with philanthropic fundingt Mbced-11se development and generate ongoing r-cvcnue; ,Joint use v,ith Pllr~ & Recreation and other de:partmentst Evaluate Bond options, incorporating philanthropic approach.
Station Area Plan
a Lea.sed 5pace or ki ask; Explore opportu11 irics for partnership with developer to fund con:struC'ki on t Explore pb ifo nthropic Support for innovative s:c.ri.'lce models.
Philanthropic support
• Santa Clara City Libn1cy Fo1111dation and Friends
City support through General Plan
23 ·.:>:.'·-'":- City of
( .. ~ .. ·) Santa Clara
.._____;- ft, , f. , .. ,. , ., ,~! ','t h., t : . ':
24 Ge nera l Pla n Updates
The current General Plan includes only very brieflanguage referencing the Library Current Library Language in General Plan
5,9.2 Schools and Community Facilities Goals and Policies L·,~•-~•·,;,
f-'11'.l+nr, lit.r.inN; 111 ~nrA [l.:or.1 :rn:,..t-., ullnrr.11 P.v~ lJl:,•1r1,tJ,..111-'111 ~:-n.1)-' ;,,..._, nu f-lmn,>q_.._,d 'RD.w1 IJttl . ~ Ml~!li<IL U.r.1cy rJii:J,.' nt«,!..i,t ,~•IL'o' JIIC~l~!I hi It& bl!nnrl, NIU' 11( 1!1t CJ.,~ 7ln- c~1:ilr<l1.r,,1,; l.lhr.vy I< D~.000 l.',1.W<> ~.:-,: .;u,,i ··= m:;pu,r,n,,;,:,d Ir.~ ~~'llld<'l !J'I :oo-1 \\°,yh ---" <),.v, l ~ m1D1(11'J <i:.1!Pr, )!l'l ~~•~ .11111 <1W,1 ~ Ulltl <'"'P~ Jof"' ~ lill'?b •.h." 1-l•T~ the ;';,(U'ly 1; .>hJ~ rv l►l•1dl-:" l~,_... .-:nslm~ NIW,lo."' cf F~P~ .Mid ,lCU~I~: ,~~1YrYS hlllY~~' Ul)HP, ,r,111y .u,n Ill'?~ [Dn1:-r.ua1r; r-~ ,I ~lllll~IIUr ll'.~,illl~ dAUrr~;rm. -,cr.~~lf>?- .111rl lar,11 hllt~r:,· fQlif,,-n<TI "'"I ~11 ..-.;"1~11-:•:~ rntlHrvrn 11( rau~rlll~ fer Kl11r.ulnn.,J .1:w-1 r«TrAr1an;il IIW. Tht J\!Jmc-n l,b r..i-'/ ~411~li' ill'ihl.,.: ('..;,flrl',,la.::nfid !>O LA~,!.1:00 Slrl:!ctJt M-,m~1r .... r.1~-, n,11_....1,1,~11t.1:.y 1.1n1.cy:T1tlm1Jf\: ~-.II~ mt:i l11r,1 b!o :di,~ ,vwl f,tmlly ·,1~,.-,ryJl,"!:°'·":.1nl IIA" ~..,,I ,,.hr.t 01y ll~r,11')'
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l«,J:~ Ill r1w Jl)l crj,1,,1• JlllrdPn ,e,t rbt- Ofy. It .ti rel.dC.•~W CIC!~ I~ -l111J ({ll~d )PIVP 111~11'4 IU''I' d,·L·~•~pn1,•nl .J~IIS £l ClllollLD ~JJ. llau.A~t,ul kc,,,,,,L >Jl'IJ,' Bu•lt..•·.'.'-'•l.-.1 tcn•• Cn,--k. i,.:,,,i),,._v,L Ii, ....
Uh,U'/ f".l('J/11.-J. rr.J;e, ML1·.,...,,r. ~ n11«1"'11a sm-.... 11:.e 111llnp-'ll!Nldl";~lo,-.OS u,h,11W111ini J>:ml~~hh CIC\' T1111 1'1-111 nN-<1 1-u hr l'l-',11"-lr>-•I -1~ l'-''' M 11,~ /IW ~,,,rhr·mll'f ri\m:vn! Jlrort'!T. rnr or.• 1"~.i.i•f1.,I •ll'<"~'"-""'~"r lu LIi~ r.11u,r~ ;,~11r.v..,,1j
5.'l 2-P:! Pertodlcallyevalua.te l)Jim,i ~i-r,'lm .\00 f.irtlJtle-s In -11rder-,a. ro?SpOrad to changinf oomn:iimlcy de111.,r,itt ,
-; , ;;: E'3 P'ro,1de Utn,y mvle~ fh.!.t ar~.m.es.sibl~ .illd bf ..1~11211-e ,1zt '° ~~ -rollmJ\Jtltcy reSJll!!rrt:s. l),l!'firulJr]\• Jor R1!url:!' For.is Mt,\S, J')mtll ,Dl lhP CJltraln.roni<lor.
The Library Facilities Master Plan includes a section
with language related to the Library, recommended
for inclw;ion in the next revision of the City of Santa Clara General Plan. This language has been
re~iewed and coorilinated by the Community
Development Department, and is provided for
Council consideration for the next appropriate
opportunity to update the General Plan.
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25 Next Steps for Facilities Master Plan
• The Library Facilities Master Plan is well-timed to inform use of Measure I funds.
• Recommendations are not prescriptive. Library is working in coordination with CMO and Finance to prioritize recommendations, funding and timing strategies. This may include fundraising through the Santa Clara City Library Foundation and Friends.
• Language to update Library sections in City General Plan is included and ready for CMO and Council to review at the appropriate time. • Detailed Property Condition Assessments are available to inform maintenance recommendations, to be coordinated with Public Works and Finance for ongoing maintenance. z5
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