Fiscal Year 2026/27
Board of Library Trustees (BOLT) Workplan
Background
On August 3, 2026, BOLT reviewed and approved the upcoming FY 2026/27 workplan and proposes to work on the following list of items.
Collection Funding
Advocate to ensure future ongoing funding of the collection budget.
Collection budget funding was restored in the FY 2025-26 and FY 2026-27 operating budgets. It has not been restored for ongoing years. BOLT to advocate for the restoration of the collection budget to be ongoing.
Staff to prepare information on impact of funding pressures and patron behavior on the loss of circulating technology such as hotspots and laptops in neighboring library systems and at the Santa Clara City Library (SCCL) Alternative Funding
To reduce reliance on the City’s General Fund, explore additional alternative funding support for library services.
Santa Clara City Library Foundation and Friends (SCCLFF) Review fiscal impact of SCCLFF’s grant and donation support for the Library.
Alternative funding in other Library systems
Staff to prepare information on how other regional and comparable library systems are funded beyond the general fund.
General Plan
Updated nexus language to include Library in General Plan was prepared as part of the Library Facilities Master Plan.
Advocate for inclusion of updated language when the City addresses General Plan revisions.
Alternative Funding Measure
Communications Coordinator Funding
Advocate for a dedicated communications coordinator staff position, as listed in Library Strategic Plan.
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 Use of Electronic Resources Policy
Art Exhibits at the Santa Clara City Library Policy
Policy Regarding Privacy and Confidentiality
Policy review to be spread out over the year.
Staff to provide list of Library Policies.
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.
Staff to provide regular updates on implementation and status of Strategic Plan and Facilities Master Plan priorities and Measure I projects.
Advocate for Strategic Plan implementation efforts, including budget requests for a Communications Coordinator and Mobile Application.
Liaison Work
Engage with and strengthen a cooperative relationship with the Santa Clara City Library Foundation and Friends Maintain liaison selections to attend meetings and develop cooperative relationships and advocacy with City Boards, Commissions and Taskforces, including Santa Clara City Library Foundation and Friends (SCCLFF) Board – Marilyn Edelstein Continue regular joint meetings every six months or more frequently Parks and Recreation Commission – Steve Ricossa
Santa Clara Station Area Taskforce – Jonathon Evans
Historical and Landmarks Commission – Jonathon Evans
Downtown Community Taskforce – Jonathon Evans
Youth Advisory Commission – Daniel Huynh
Senior Advisory Commission – Marilyn Edelstein
Bike and Pedestrian Advisory Committee - TBD
Cultural Commission - TBD
Conduct Library outreach with the community
Staff to provide information on Strategic Plan outreach priorities Support connection building with local companies and community organizations, such as technology companies and non-profits.
Board Development
Explore strategic Board development opportunities, including informational reports from staff, funded conferences and training opportunities (budget permitting) Become better educated on the role and context of public libraries in the United States Become better informed on Library operations
Advocate for dedicated funding for Board development opportunities Current Membership
Name
Appointed
Terms Ends
Jonathon Evans
05/24/21 (25)
2029
Marilyn Edelstein
7/16/26 (30)
2030
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.
Approved by the Board of Library Trustees 8/3/2026