FOR THE COUNCIL MEETING OF APRIL 2, 2024
COUNCIL AGENDA REPORT
TO: City Council
FROM: Interim City Manager Alex Posada
BY: Library Director Dawn Jackson
SUBJECT: Proclamation – National Library Week, April 7th through 13th
Present a Proclamation to recognize April 7th through 13th as National Library Week in the City of Santa Maria.
BACKGROUND:
National Library Week was created in 1958 as a national observance sponsored by the American Library Association (ALA) and libraries across the country to celebrate the contributions of libraries and Librarians to their communities. At the time, research showed people were spending less time on books and more time on radios and television, which prompted the formation of the National Bo ok Committee. The goals of the Committee were to encourage people to read, improve incomes and health, and develop a strong and happy family life. The ALA assumed full sponsorship of National Library Week in 1974 to recognize the efforts of libraries and Librarians to meet the needs of the diverse communities they serve.
The Santa Maria Public Library (Library) is committed to upholding the values of National Library Week and encourages community members to take advantage of the Library’s diverse collection of print and electronic material, specially curated programming to meet community needs, and free services to support early literacy skills and continuing educational support. The Library is committed to continuously evolving to meet the changing needs of the community, provide meaningful services, and improve the quality of life for all community members.
DISCUSSION:
The Santa Maria Public Library is celebrating National Library Week, April 7 th through 13th, 2024, by bringing awareness to the creative ways in which libraries connect with patrons and help patrons connect with each other through programming, digital materials access, and service throughout the community at outreaches, and bookmobile stops.
These measures uphold the Library’s goal to exte nd its services beyond the physical building and connect community members with Library resources.
2 The Santa Maria Public Library is celebrating National Library Week’s theme of “Ready, Set, Library!” by hosting programs such as Tech Help Saturdays & Sun days, Tech for Tweens, Paws to Read, Makerspace, and Let’s Blow Off Some STEAM! In addition to printed materials, patrons can take advantage of the Library of Things collection to embrace their curiosity and learn a new skill or explore a new hobby. The Li brary’s website is an excellent resource for the public to connect with the Library and its staff. By embracing technology and remaining up to date with current trends, the Library strives to attract new patrons who aren’t aware of the wide variety of serv ices offered in today’s libraries.
Attachment: Proclamation